0.1 N Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Solution
What is 0.1 N Sodium Hydroxide Solution?
0.1 N Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution is a common laboratory reagent used in various scientific applications. It is a solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in water, with a normality of 0.1. Normality is a measure of the concentration of a solution, defined as the number of equivalents of solute per liter of solution.
Preparation of 0.1 N Sodium Hydroxide Solution
To prepare a 0.1 N sodium hydroxide solution, you will need to dissolve sodium hydroxide pellets or flakes in distilled water. Here is a step-by-step guide to prepare the solution:
Materials:
- Sodium hydroxide pellets or flakes (NaOH)
- Distilled water
- Beaker or container
- Stirring rod
- pH paper or pH meter (optional)
Procedure:
- Weigh the sodium hydroxide: Weigh out 4 grams of sodium hydroxide pellets or flakes.
- Add distilled water: Slowly add 1 liter of distilled water to the beaker or container.
- Stir the mixture: Use a stirring rod to dissolve the sodium hydroxide in the water. Be careful, as sodium hydroxide is a strong base and can cause skin and eye irritation.
- Check the pH: Use pH paper or a pH meter to check the pH of the solution. The pH should be around 12-13.
- Store the solution: Store the 0.1 N sodium hydroxide solution in a clean, tightly sealed container.
Uses of 0.1 N Sodium Hydroxide Solution
0.1 N sodium hydroxide solution has several applications in various fields, including:
Titration:
- 0.1 N sodium hydroxide solution is commonly used as a titrant in acid-base titrations to determine the concentration of acids.
- It is used to titrate strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), to determine their concentration.
pH Adjustment:
- 0.1 N sodium hydroxide solution is used to adjust the pH of solutions, such as in the preparation of buffers.
- It is used to raise the pH of acidic solutions to a desired level.
Cleaning:
- 0.1 N sodium hydroxide solution is used as a cleaning agent to remove dirt, grease, and grime from surfaces.
- It is effective in removing stubborn stains and deposits.
Safety Precautions
When handling 0.1 N sodium hydroxide solution, it is essential to take safety precautions to avoid skin and eye irritation, and respiratory problems. Wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, when handling the solution. In case of accidental exposure, flush the affected area with plenty of water and seek medical attention if necessary.