10.1.5

Required Practical: Analysing and Purifying Water

Test yourself on Required Practical: Analysing and Purifying Water

Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Method 1: Analysing Water Samples (PH and Dissolved Solids)

This experiment aims to test water samples from different sources for pH and dissolved solids.

Apparatus

Apparatus

  • Water samples (A, B, C, D)
  • Universal indicator paper or pH meter
  • Evaporating basin
  • Mass balance
  • Measuring cylinder
  • Bunsen burner
Method

Method

  • Use a universal indicator or a pH meter to measure the pH of each water sample.
  • Weigh an empty evaporating basin accurately.
  • Add 25 cm3 of the water sample to the basin.
  • Heat gently over a Bunsen burner until most of the water evaporates.
  • Once cooled, reweigh the basin and calculate the mass of solid left behind.
Reminders

Reminders

  • Avoid overheating:
    • Some solids may decompose, giving false results.
  • The mass of residue shows how much dissolved solids the water contained.
Analysis

Analysis

  • Compare pH and solid content between samples.
  • High solid content or very low pH suggests poorer water quality.
  • Results can indicate where the water might have come from:
    • For example, the sea, river, rain
  • Compare results to safe drinking water standards.
Hazards and precautions

Hazards and precautions

  • Acidic or alkaline water samples:
    • Some samples may cause irritation to the eyes or skin.
    • Rinse immediately if contact occurs.
  • Heated apparatus:
    • Touching hot apparatus may cause burns.
    • Allow them to cool before holding.
Jump to other topics
1

Atomic Structure

2

Chemical Bonding

3

Quantitative Chemistry

4

Chemical Changes

5

Energy Changes

6

The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7

Organic Chemistry

8

Chemical Analysis

9

Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10

Using Resources

Practice questions on Required Practical: Analysing and Purifying Water

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
Answer all questions on Required Practical: Analysing and Purifying Water

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium