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Why does the dilution of the initial sample (say 75 ml versus 100 ml) not affect in the final results of the titration?

a. because the total moles of hydronium ions in the sample are not changed after dilution.
b. all options are incorrect.
c. because the indicator still works in the diluted sample.
d. because the ph for the sample is unchanged after dilution.

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The dilution of the initial sample does not affect the final titration results because the total moles of hydronium ions remain constant, and dilution does not change the degree of acid ionization or the initial pH prior to any titrant addition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason why the dilution of the initial sample does not affect the final results of the titration is because the total moles of hydronium ions in the sample are not changed after dilution. This is based on the concept that during a titration, it's the amount (moles) of the reactant (in this case, the hydronium ions) that is of importance, not the volume in which they are contained. The number of moles of hydronium ions remains constant, even if the volume changes, because dilution involves adding solvent (such as water) without altering the actual amount of the solute (the acid, which in this case releases hydronium ions).

It's also essential to understand that because the acid being titrated is a strong acid like HCl, it dissociates completely. Therefore, changing the volume of the solution by dilution does not change the ratio of the acid ionization, and, consequently, the pH of the solution will remain the same prior to any titrant being added. The indicator works regardless of the dilution, as long as the hydronium ion concentration is within the sensitivity range of the indicator.

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