What is the role of the standard solution in a titration?

The standard solution in a titration is used to determine the concentration of an unknown solution.

In a titration, the standard solution, also known as the titrant, plays a crucial role. It is a solution of known concentration that is used to analyse the concentration of an unknown solution, which is often referred to as the analyte. The process of titration involves the gradual addition of the standard solution to the analyte until the reaction between the two is complete. This point of completion is known as the equivalence point or end point.

The standard solution is carefully chosen so that it will react in a well-defined way with the analyte. The reaction should be fast and complete. The standard solution is usually a strong acid or base, but it can also be a reducing or oxidising agent, depending on the nature of the analyte.

The volume of the standard solution required to reach the end point is carefully measured. This volume, along with the known concentration of the standard solution, is used to calculate the concentration of the analyte. This is done using the stoichiometry of the reaction between the standard solution and the analyte, which is determined from the balanced chemical equation for the reaction.

In summary, the standard solution in a titration serves as a benchmark or reference point. It allows us to determine the concentration of an unknown solution by providing a known quantity for comparison. Without the standard solution, it would be impossible to perform a titration and thus impossible to determine the concentration of the unknown solution.