Preparing a standard solution | Chemistry

Preparing a standard solution | Chemistry

How to Prepare a Solution in the Laboratory

Weighing and Transferring the Solute

  • Begin by calculating the mass of solute needed for your solution. Use a top pan balance with an appropriate precision (1-3 decimal places).
  • Transfer the weighed solute into a glass beaker, ensuring all of it is moved. Rinse the weighing boat with distilled water to capture any remaining solute.

Dissolving the Solute

  • Ensure complete dissolution of the solute in distilled water. Add more water if necessary and swirl or stir using a glass stirring rod.

Transferring to Volumetric Flask

  • Once dissolved, transfer the solution into a volumetric flask using a glass funnel. Avoid spilling as this would require starting over.
  • Rinse both the beaker and funnel multiple times (typically 2-3), following guidelines from your teacher, to ensure no original solution remains.

Finalizing the Solution Volume

  • After rinsing, remove the funnel and stopper the volumetric flask. Gently shake to mix thoroughly before filling up to the calibration line with distilled water.
Video description

Watch how to prepare a standard solution. At the Royal Society of Chemistry we provide education resources via our website Learn Chemistry to enhance teaching and learning. The find more laboratory technique videos view our resource: http://www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry/resource/res00001064/the-interactive-lab-primer