A solution of known concentration is used to determine the concentration of another solution. What is this process called?

• A. Calibration
• B. Dilution
• C. Standardization
• D. Titration

Answer: (D)

Titration is a volumetric analysis method in which a solution of known concentration is added to another solution to determine its concentration. In this process, the known solution (the titrant) is slowly delivered from a burette into the unknown solution until the reaction is complete, typically indicated by an endpoint or equivalence point. Once the endpoint is reached, you know exactly how much titrant reacted with the analyte. Using the reaction’s stoichiometry, you can calculate the unknown concentration from the titrant’s concentration and the volumes used (for a simple case, M1V1 = M2V2). This direct approach of relating a measured volume of a standard solution to the amount of unknown substance makes titration the best description for the scenario. Calibration relates to adjusting instruments, and standardization is about determining the precise concentration of a standard solution itself, while dilution means reducing concentration by adding solvent.