Calculating Molarity of KOH Solution: Discrepancy in Reported Results

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In summary, the article discusses the challenges and discrepancies encountered in calculating the molarity of a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution. It highlights variations in reported results due to factors such as measurement inaccuracies, differing methodologies, and the influence of temperature on concentration. The importance of standardized procedures and careful consideration of experimental conditions is emphasized to achieve consistent and reliable molarity calculations.
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pmason61
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I'm trying to verify the final molarity of my solution.

I'm adding 40.69 lb of 90% anhydrous KOH to 148.43 (561.86L) gallons of water . I get a final molarity of 0.52. The report I'm reading arrives at a molarity of 0.78. Is this an error?

Thanks to anyone who can provide the calcs.
 
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  • #2
Is this homework? If so, we can move it to the correct subforum.
 
  • #3
No it's not homework. I'm checking the calcs in a report by a colleague in nthe alkaline hydrolysis business and his stated 0.78 M KOH seems off to me. I get 297.01 moles in 561.86 liters to be 0.52 molarity
 
  • #4
pmason61 said:
I'm adding 40.69 lb of 90% anhydrous KOH to 148.43 (561.86L) gallons of water . I get a final molarity of 0.52. The report I'm reading arrives at a molarity of 0.78. Is this an error?
"Anhydrous KOH" is K2O; any thoughts?
 
  • #5
What's the other 10% of the anhydrous KOH?
 
  • #6
Bystander said:
"Anhydrous KOH" is K2O; any thoughts?

Doesn't change the result enough. I am getting 0.52 M for KOH and 0.62 M for K2O (assuming the density of the solution to be 1.0247 g/mL, which is more or less OK for 0.52 M, should be a bit higher for 0.62 M).

Note 0.52/0.78 is exactly 2/3, such coincidences often mean some simple error in conversions.
 

FAQ: Calculating Molarity of KOH Solution: Discrepancy in Reported Results

Why are there discrepancies in reported results when calculating the molarity of a KOH solution?

Discrepancies in reported results when calculating the molarity of a KOH solution can be due to various factors such as human error in measurements, inaccuracies in the equipment used, variations in temperature or pressure, or impurities in the chemicals used.

How can I minimize discrepancies in reported results when calculating the molarity of a KOH solution?

To minimize discrepancies, it is important to ensure accurate measurements, use calibrated equipment, maintain a consistent temperature and pressure throughout the experiment, and ensure the purity of the chemicals used. Performing multiple trials and averaging the results can also help reduce discrepancies.

Are there any specific techniques or methods that can help improve the accuracy of calculating the molarity of a KOH solution?

Using a balance with higher precision, performing titrations with careful attention to detail, and using standardized solutions for calibration can help improve the accuracy of calculating the molarity of a KOH solution. Additionally, following proper laboratory techniques and protocols can also contribute to more accurate results.

What should I do if I encounter discrepancies in reported results when calculating the molarity of a KOH solution?

If you encounter discrepancies, it is important to review your experimental procedure, check for any sources of error, and consider repeating the experiment to verify the results. Consulting with colleagues or instructors can also provide valuable insights and help identify potential issues that may have contributed to the discrepancies.

How significant are discrepancies in reported results when calculating the molarity of a KOH solution?

Discrepancies in reported results can have varying degrees of significance depending on the specific experiment and its intended purpose. In some cases, even small discrepancies may be acceptable, while in others, they may have a significant impact on the overall results and conclusions drawn from the experiment. It is important to evaluate the magnitude of the discrepancies in the context of the experiment and consider their potential implications accordingly.

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