How Much Acid is in Fruit Juice and Soft

Drinks?
Central Challenge
Imagine that you have just been told the pain you feel in your chest after eating is caused by small amounts of
stomach acid coming in contact with the lower part of your esophagus and irritating the lining of your
esophagus over time. It is recommended that you avoid spicy foods, carbonated beverages, and orange juice.
You wonder why. This laboratory investigation gives you an opportunity to explore that question as you design
your own experimental procedure to determine how much acid is in fruit juice and soft drinks.

Context for This Investigation

Perhaps you have wondered how doctors determine the ratios for IV drips during surgery or hospital
stays. They use a common laboratory procedure called a titration to calculate specific ratios of
different substances using volume measurements. A similar process occurs when someone uses a
machine to monitor blood glucose levels, to analyze urine samples, or to conduct a pregnancy test.
Pharmacists use titrations when compounding drugs, which allows them to more precisely match a
persons drug prescription to their body weight, size, or medical condition. While it may sound like
titrations are common practice only in the chemistry lab or medical community, titrations have great
practical use. Food scientists use them when testing for levels of salt, sugar, and vitamins in different
foods, and for deciding if wine and cheese are ready for consumption. Others use titrations to test
for water quality or hardness and in neutralizing the free fatty acids in waste vegetable oil before
refining it as biodiesel.
In all cases, titrations are used to quantitatively analyze the unknown concentration of a solution or
the amount of a substance by comparing it to a solution of known concentration.

Preparation
Materials
You my select from when the following materials when developing your lab procedure. The items
may or may not be used. Please indicate in your lab report which pieces of equipment you will be
using.

25 beakers of varying sizes (100 mL, 150 mL, 250

mL, and 400 mL)

Various acid-base indicators methyl orange,

methyl red, bromothymol blue, phenolphthalein,
thymol blue (or others you may have on hand)
12 15 50 mL burets
pH meters or pH paper (if meters are unavailable)
15 Erlenmeyer flasks of varying sizes (125 and 250 500 mL total of 0.10 M acetic acid (CH3COOH)
mL)
25 graduated cylinders of varying sizes (10 mL, 25 Various light-colored and/or clear fruit juices and
mL, and 100 mL)
sodas
12 15 volumetric pipettes of varying sizes (10
12 15 mL bottles of standardized 0.10 M and
mL and 25 mL)
0.25 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions (4.0
L total of each solution)
25 droppers
12 15 wash bottles with distilled water

Safety and Disposal

Chemical splash goggles are required when conducting this lab. Use caution when using the NaOH solutions,
as they can irritate skin and cause burns. If the solution is spilled on skin, wash with water for up to 15
minutes, briefly rinse with dilute vinegar (50% vinegar by volume), and then wash with water again. After
neutralization, solutions may be washed down the drain with lots of water. Fruit juice and sodas will leave a
sticky residue on lab desks and glassware, so all surfaces should be washed prior to leaving the lab.

Explanation to Strengthen Student Understanding

One of the first titrations you perform is the reaction between a hydrochloric acid
solution of unknown concentration and sodium hydroxide. Since we are analyzing HCl to
determine its concentration, we call it the analyte. The hydrochloric acid solution would
be titrated by adding a standard solution of sodium hydroxide dropwise. The sodium
hydroxide solution is called the titrant, and is a standard solution because its
concentration is accurately known. In this example, the titrant (NaOH) reacts with the
analyte (HCl) in the neutralization reaction shown below:
HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
The point at which enough titrant has been added to react exactly with the analyte is
called the equivalence point. Here, the number of moles of OH - (aq) added is equal to
the number of moles of H+ (aq) consumed. Since this point is not visible to the eye, we
use a pH indicator to help us detect it. The point at which the indicator changes color is
called the endpoint, and, assuming it has been selected appropriately, indicates that
the equivalence point has been reached. The best indicator for the titration is one in
which the endpoint and equivalence point are as close together as possible.
The progress of an acid-base titration can also be followed by measuring the pH of the
solution being analyzed as a function of the volume of titrant added. A plot of the
resulting data is called a pH curve or titration curve. Titration curves allow a precise
determination of the equivalence point of the titration without the use of an indicator.
The concentration of the NaOH solution must be accurately known. To standardize the
NaOH, that is, to find its exact molarity, the NaOH is titrated against a solid acid,
potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP). The KHP is chosen because it is easily dried and
weighted and has a relatively high molar mass. The formula of KHP is:

The graph of pH versus volume of NaOH added (see Figure 1) is obtained by carefully
following the titration with a pH meter. There is a significant change in pH in the vicinity
of the equivalence point. Note that when a weak acid is titrated with a strong base, the
equivalence point is NOT at pH 7, but is on the basic side. The value of the equilibrium
constant for the dissociation of the acid is obtained from the graph. If the dissociation of
the acid is represented as:
HA + H2O H3O+ + Athe equilibrium constant expression is:
+ A H 3 O K a=
When the acid is half neutralized, [HA] = [A -], these terms cancel in the above equation,
and Ka = [H3O+]. Therefore, when the acid is half-neutralized, the pH = pKz.
The point where pH is equal to pKa can be found from the graph. Refer to Figure 1.

In this experiment, you will design your own acid-base titration to determine the acid
concentration of fruit juice or a carbonated beverage by using a standardized solution
of sodium hydroxide, and make a prediction about how knowing the acid content of a
certain beverage would be of benefit to them. Nutritionists cite the dangers of regular
consumption of carbonated beverages on bone density and recommend a low-acid diet. Dentists
caution patients about the relationship between acid and oral health. Is there cause for concern? Might the
knowledge gained in this lab help us better understand their recommendations, and make reasonable decisions
about our beverage of choice?

Prelab Preparation
Part 1 Prelab Questions
Phosphoric acid is a triprotic acid (three ionizable hydrogens). The values of its stepwise ionization constants
are Ka1 = 7.5 x 10-3, Ka2 = 6.2 x 10-8, and Ka3 = 4.2 x 10-13.
1. Write the chemical equation for the first ionization reaction of phosphoric acid with water.
2. Write the equilibrium constant expression, Ka 1 , for this reaction.
3. What would be the pH of a solution when [H3PO4] = [H2PO4-]?
4. Phenolphthalein would not be an appropriate indicator to use to determine Ka 1 for phosphoric
acid. Why not? Choose a suitable indicator from the following color chart.

5. Calculate the molarity of a solution of sodium hydroxide, NaOH, if 23.64 mL of this solution
is needed to neutralize 0.5632 g of potassium hydrogen phthalate.
6. It is found that 24.68 mL of 0.1165 M NaOH is needed to titrate 0.2931 g of an unknown acid
to the phenolphthalein end point. Calculate the equivalent mass of the acid.
7. The following data was collected for the titration of 0.145 g of a weak acid with 0.100 M
NaOH as the titrant:
a. Graph the data on the

chart provided below.

b. What is the pH at the equivalence point?
c. Give the Ka and pKa value of the acid. Explain.
d. The following acid-base indicators are available to follow the titration. Which of the
following would be most appropriate for signaling the endpoint of the titration? Explain.

8. Write the complete chemical equation for the reaction of a solution of sodium hydroxide,
NaOH, with hydrochloric acid, HCl.
9. How many mL of 0.1 M HCl are required to react completely with 5 mL of 0.1 M NaOH?
10. If equal molar amounts of NaOH and HCl are mixed, when the reaction is complete what will
be the chemical species in the resulting solution?
11. Will the pH of the mixture in question 10 be acidic, basic, or neutral? Explain.
12. Write the complete chemical equation for a reaction of a 0.1 M solution of acetic acid,
CH3COOH, with a 0.1 M solution of NaOH.
13. How many mL of the 0.1 M NaOH solution will be required to react completely with 5 mL of
0.1 M acetic acid solution? Explain.
14. When the reaction is complete, what will be the pH (acidic, basic, or neutral) of the solution in
question 13? Explain.
15. How is it possible to determine when an acid-base reaction is complete when one of the
reactants concentration is unknown?
16. Using the table on p. 38 in your handout, explain how indicators are chosen and used during

titration.
17. Summarize the video http://youtu.be/g8jdCWC10vQ

Part 2 - Standardizing the Sodium Hydroxide with KHP

1. Obtain a sample of potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) that has been previously dried in an
oven and stored in a dessicator.
2. On an analytical balance, accurately weigh 0.4 to 0.6 g of KHP in a tared weighing dish.
Record the mass of the KHP in your data table.
3. Transfer the KHP into an Erlenmeyer flask pour the solid through a funnel into the flask. Use
water from a wash bottle to rinse all of the remaining solid in the weighing dish or in the funnel into
the flask as well.
4. Add about 40 mL of distilled water to the flask and swirl until all the KHP is dissolved.
5. Obtain about 75 mL of the sodium hydroxide, NaOH, solution.
6. Clean a 50 mL buret, then rinse it with three small portions (about 7 mL each) of the NaOH
solution.
7. Fill the buret to above the zero mark with the NaOH solution.
8. Open the buret stopcock to allow any air bubbles to escape from the tip. Close the stopcock
when the liquid level is between the 0 - and 10 mL marks.
9. Measure the precise volume of the solution in the buret and
record this value in your data table as the initial volume. NOTE: Volumes
are read from the top down in a buret. Always read from the bottom of
the meniscus, remembering to include the appropriate number of
significant figures (see Figure 2).
10. Position the buret over the Erlenmeyer flask so that the tip of
the buret is within the flask but at least 2 cm above the liquid surface.
11. Add three drops of phenolphthalein solution to the KHP
solution in the flask.
12. Begin the titration by adding 1.0 mL of the NaOH solution to
the Erlenmeyer flask, then closing the buret stopcock and swirling the
flask.
13. Repeat step 12 until 15 mL of the NaOH solution have been added to the flask. Be sure to
continuously swirl the flask.
14. Reduce the incremental volumes of NaOH solution to mL until the pink color starts to
persist. Reduce the rate of addition of NaOH solution to drop by drop until the pink color persists
for 15 seconds. Remember to constantly swirl the flask and to rinse the walls of the flask with
distilled water before the endpoint is reached.
15. Measure the volume of NaOH remaining in the buret, estimating to the nearest 0.01 mL.
Record this value as the final volume in your data table.
16. Repeat the standardization two more times. Rinse the Erlenmeyer flask thoroughly
between trials with deionized water.

Part 3 Planning Your Own Investigation: Use the planning sheet and rubric as you work
with your team to design your experiment.

Planning Sheet
Background:

Experimental Design
Purpose:

Prediction:
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:
Trials:
Constants:
Control Setup:
Testable Research Question:
Hypothesis:
Materials list:

Procedure List:

Data Table:

Planning Your Own Investigation

Advanced (5)

Proficient (3)

Experimental ID

Name, date, period identified

in proper form and recorded in Table of
Contents

Name, date period identified

Title

Title relates directly to experiment. Clearly

identifies variables

Title relates directly to experiment

Purpose/Problem

Problem/purpose stated accurately &

completely. Some background information
given

Problem/purpose is stated accurately &

completely

Hypothesis

Hypothesis stated clearly. Specifically

predicts the relationship between dependent
and independent variables

Hypothesis is stated clearly. It predicts

the influence of one variable on another

I. Introduction:

II. Experimental Procedure:

Materials

Complete, detailed list of appropriate

materials (size, concentration, quantity).

Complete list of appropriate materials

Identification of
Variables &
Constants

Correctly identifies independent, dependent

variables. Recognizes most constants

Clearly and accurately identifies variable

being tested and some constants

Control Setup

Control setup clearly identified and justified

Control setup clearly identified.

Procedure

Safety

Tests hypothesis accurately & efficiently.

Conducts or analyzes 3 or more trials.
Reflects thoughtful use and elaboration of
scientific principles involved. Procedure is
accurate, complete, understandable, &
repeatable by another person. Includes
appropriate diagram(s) to clarify procedure.
No errors.
Includes all appropriate safety concerns.

Tests hypothesis in a logical manner.

Conducts or analyzes 2 trials. Reflects
clear understanding of scientific
principles involved. Procedure is
essentially complete, understandable, and
repeatable. May contain a few errors.
Includes most safety concerns.

III. Collect & Display Data:

Collect & Record

Accurate & precise data reported in correct

SI units.

Accurate data reported in correct SI units.

Organization

Data displayed in organized way, using the

most appropriate format. All data &
necessary units displayed; labeled
completely.

Data displayed in the most appropriate

format. Minor errors, few errors in
labeling.

IV. Data Analysis:

Calculations
Summary

Appropriate, complete (includes units),

accurate. Formula(s) clearly stated,
appropriate work shown.
All data summarized in a clear, concise,
logical manner. Patterns identified &
described. No additional explanation given.

Appropriate calculations completed

(includes units), minor math errors.
Most data and patterns summarized in a
logical manner.

V. Conclusion
Explanation

Sources of Error

Extensions

Logical conclusion, well supported by data

collected. Justification for multiple trials given.
Clearly addresses problem & stated hypothesis.
Sources of error identified & explained. Errors
appropriate. Recommendations to eliminate
errors appropriate.
Student transfers learning to other settings by
generating specific questions for future study or
suggesting how the knowledge gained can be
applied to "real world".

Logical conclusion, supported by data

collected. Adequately addresses problem &
hypothesis.
Sources of error identified. Errors are
appropriate.
Student transfers learning to other settings
by generating a specific question for future
study or suggesting a way the knowledge
gained can be applied to "real world".

VI. Presentation of Report:

Format

Contains all components clearly labeled. Wellorganized. No errors.

Mechanics

Excellent use of vocabulary, language

mechanics & complete sentences. No errors.

Appearance
Language

Write-up is neat, presentable & enhanced (e.g.

word processed, diagrams, graphics, color, etc.)
Technical voice: No personal pronouns, clear,
concise to the point.

Contains all components clearly labeled and

organized. Minor errors.
Good use of vocab, language mechanics &
complete sentences. Few errors do not
detract from meaning.
Write-up is neat, presentable.
Technical voice. No personal pronouns.

Juice and Soda Lab Rubric

How Much Acid is in Fruit Juice and Soft Drinks?
Points
Earned
Prelab Questions
Show your work and include thorough explanations in clear, concise, well-written sentences.
Data Collection and Computation
Standardize the Sodium Hydroxide with KHP and show the calculations for the known value of
NaOH in your solution.
Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium hydroxide and the primary
acid in the fruit juices or sodas your lab team selected. If you identified more than one acid, write
balanced equations for each of them.
Graph the pH vs volume of base added for all beverages tested. Make a note of where the indicator
you chose changes color. In general, as volume of titrant increases, what happens to the pH? Why
does this occur?
Calculate the acid concentration of the beverage you tested, being sure to show all work and
include units.
Share your results with three other lab groups, and then explain how your answers compare. What
similarities and differences do you notice? Is this what you expected? Why or why not?
Calculate the pH of the fruit juices or sodas you tested.
Argumentation and Documentation
Pool class data and compare the identity of the primary acid, acid concentration, and associated pH
of the various beverages tested. Provide a general statement and explanation for any trends you
notice. In what ways do they surprise you and why?
If you were to perform this experiment again, what changes would you make to your procedure and
why? How do your answers compare to those of other student groups?
Post-Lab Questions
1. Suppose a student chose to measure solution volumes using the beakers or graduated cylinders
provided. What effect would this have had on the calculated acid concentration? How might this
affect the number of significant figures in your final answer? Explain your answers.
2. Another student rinsed the buret with water, but neglected to rinse the buret with titrant before
conducting the experiment. What effect would this have on the calculated acid concentration in the
juices or sodas? Why?
3. If you did not titrate a cola like Coke, Pepsi, or Dr. Pepper, find another lab group that did so,
and ask them to discuss their procedure and results. What step was necessary to determine the
endpoint when titrating a cola with a standard sodium hydroxide solution, and why did this step
matter?
4. Imagine a lab team that consistently added base past the first appearance of a pale pink color.
What would happen to the average calculated acid concentration of the juices or sodas? Explain
your answer.
5. Create a diagram that shows the molecular interaction between the acid and base as the titration
proceeds. Display this at the six labeled points along the titration curve provided and give an
explanation for what is happening at the molecular level. As always, include at least 8 labeled
particles in each drawing.
6. Review your graph of pH versus volume of base added. Where did the indicator change color for
each trial? What was the pH associated with the color change? What assumptions can you make
regarding the pH at this point and the shape of your titration curve? Use a diagram to show what
you think might be happening at the molecular level.
7. After conducting this experiment, what recommendation(s) might you make for a person with
acid-reflux disease or tooth decay despite the fact that they drink juice or diet sodas? Justify your
answer.
Planning Your Own Investigation Score

Points
Possible
50
5
3 for
each
acid
10
4
3
2 for
each

6
3

3
3

3
100

Total Points

239