Fertiliser prac

[water89]

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In regards to the sulfate content in fertiliser prac what are some common problems encountered in the procedure and what are some solutions to these problems?

[tizona]

problems and solutions:

human error in calculating, measuring, weighing, etc. To minimize it repeat experiment a couple of times and ensure more accurate measuring is done

some of the barium sulfate that forms may stick to the sides of the beaker and may be lost as a result. minimize it by using a wash bottle with distilled water to ensure all the particles are transferred

longer digestion times would allow formation of larger particles - and thus fewer losses through the sintered funnel - accurate results

[iMAN2]

Originally Posted by tizona

longer digestion times would allow formation of larger particles - and thus fewer losses through the sintered funnel - accurate results

This is actually a validity point and not accuracy. Accuracy concerns to how many decimal places and to what precision the equipment can measure results.

E.g. Using an electronic weight balance with 3 decimal places instead of one with only 1 decimal place.

Other problems and solutions:
Loss of BaSO4 through decanting - the main reason why it was below the expected % content

Sintered glass crucible used versus normal filter paper as the BaSo4 particles are too small and can pass through [the normal filter paper].

Mixture cooled to reduce BaSO4 solubility - all SO4 2- precipitates.