Chemistry indeed was my fave in my early days of college. There was a lot new to learn and experience every time we did a practical back in those old labs. We learned the difference between acids and bases, what is titration, what is redox titration, what are compounds, its equations, calculations and so on. Every solution and every theory seems never-ending in the books of chem! There is always a room for some mix ‘n’ match, mumbo-jumbo of chemicals and excogitations of unfathomable possibilities. With that conception let’s see further the definition of redox titration.

Defining Redox Titration
Two things in a redox titration is essential to help define the word alone. One is the titrant and the other is substance participating in the reaction. This two things are formerly important to commence a reaction. Well there are other components equally important as well, but they are introduced when the reaction just begins. Technically, redox titration is also called an oxidation-reduction titration. This means that the redox titration is in between titrant and an analyst. Determining process of a redox titration is done by using a potentiometer and or a redox indicator.

The process is too simple for any sort of insurrection to come up. It’s the titration of an oxidizing agent by a reducing agent and contrariwise. In general there are various types of redox titration where in there compulsorily has to be a solution passing through a reducing agent. In most of the cases its starch is used as an indicator. There in a blue starch-iodine composite is formed only when there is a presence of an excess amount of iodine. This is one of the useful redox indicator stating the termination of the chemical reaction. Read the rest of this entry »

In a subject like chemistry, in which you study hundreds of chemical compounds, there is a need for classification, based on their inherent characteristics. This classification makes it easier to study the similarities and differences between them. One such broad classification criteria for chemical compounds is differentiating them into acids and bases. This article focuses on explaining what are weak acids in particular.

What are Acids?

Of the many characteristics which mark the nature of any chemical, the most important is its acidic or basic nature, as it decides the way in which that chemical will react with other substances. Before we talk about what are weak acids, it’s essential that you know what are acids and how are acids identified. As chemistry has advanced in its theoretical foundation, the definition of what is an acid, has evolved with time. Acids were defined to be compounds that release hydrogen ions when dissolved in water.

They could also be defined as chemicals that release protons in a water solution, or act as proton donors. More generally, acids are chemical compounds which are typified by their preference to accept an electron pair from reacting substances. When any chemical compound satisfies this condition, it’s known as a Lewis acid.

How are acids identified? There are several ways of determining whether a specific compound is an acid or base. One of the simplest ways of differentiating a substance as an acid is to run the litmus test. In acids, a blue litmus will turn red. Another way of determining whether a substance is acidic or basic, is to measure its pH. If the pH value is less than 7, it’s an acid. Read the rest of this entry »