Exercise A
25
time using the Armfield data logger can be used to calculate the amount of
conversion.
Interpretation of Results
Having recorded the conductivity of the contents of the reactor over the period of the
reaction, the conductivity measurements must now be translated into degree of
conversion of the constituents.
Both sodium hydroxide and sodium acetate contribute conductance to the reaction
solution whilst ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol do not. The conductivity of a sodium
hydroxide solution at a given concentration and temperature, however, is not the
same as that of a sodium acetate solution at the same molarity and temperature and
a relationship has been established allowing conversion to be inferred from
conductivity.
The calculations are best carried out using a spreadsheet such as EXCEL so that the
results can be displayed in tabular and graphical form.
Note that the software performs all the calculations needed during experiment.
However it is recommended to go through all the procedure and calculations for
better understanding.
On conclusion of the experiment using the Armfield data logger, a set of readings of
conductivity with time will be stored in the computer.
At this point, this data can be transferred onto the spreadsheet.
Start the spreadsheet program.
Now enter the following known constants from the experiment using the
Nomenclature
. Ensure use of correct units.
F
a
=
F
b
=
a
=
b
=
c
=
T =
V =
