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Discussion

Several important points are made in this movie:

• Absolute consistency is required in making all buret readings.
• All readings should be immediately recorded in a permanent lab record. These critical observations should not be trusted to memory or notes taken on scraps of paper.
• White paper is placed beneath the titration flasks aids in judging the endpoint color.

The following CCA6 modules may be of interest at this point:

• Read Meniscus at Eye Level illustrates how, and how not, to read a meniscus.
• Wait Before Reading Meniscus demonstrates waiting for buret inner walls to drain before taking a reading.
• Contrast Card demonstrates the use of a contrast card to aid in reading the buret consistently.
• Buret Meniscus Values provides pictures of buret readings that can be used in designing exercises for students.

Narrative

We use a homemade meniscus reader to obtain the initial buret reading. Note the eye level. Always look directly at the meniscus. Using a consistent buret reading procedure is critical. This reading is 0.94 mL, a value which [sic] should be recorded immediately.