What is the Titration experiment?
Each team member performs two sets of acid-base titrations in order to determine the unknown concentration of a weak acid in a solution that is supplied to them. This weak acid is either ethanoic acid (commonly known as acetic acid) or oxalic acid. This acid is standardised against a solution of the strong base, sodium hydroxide, which is first standardised against a standard solution of an acid (either hydrochloric acid or oxalic acid).
Each team member performs two sets of acid-base titrations in order to determine the unknown concentration of a weak acid in a solution that is supplied to them. This weak acid is either ethanoic acid (commonly known as acetic acid) or oxalic acid. This acid is standardised against a solution of the strong base, sodium hydroxide, which is first standardised against a standard solution of an acid (either hydrochloric acid or oxalic acid).
How does the judging work?
Judging is based on the values each team reports for the concentration of the 3 weak acid solutions. Teams are ranked on how close they get to the actual concentration for each acid solution.
These volumetric analyses vary slightly from state to state, but are equivalent in their requirements. These volumetric analyses vary slightly from state to state, but are equivalent in their requirements.
Judging is based on the values each team reports for the concentration of the 3 weak acid solutions. Teams are ranked on how close they get to the actual concentration for each acid solution.
These volumetric analyses vary slightly from state to state, but are equivalent in their requirements.
The top teams in each State competition will be invited to participate in the ANTC Finals held in Term 3 in each state. Generally held on a Saturday at a local university, teams will conduct two Titration experiments and submit their results to the national judging panel.
ANTC winners will be announced in Term 3. All national finalists receive a gold or silver badge and a team plaque is awarded to outstanding teams.
How does the competition work?
- Register your school in the competition. (Prices vary in each state)
- Gather team/s of three students. Students can also enter for fun individually or in pairs but their results will not entered into the competition.
- Conduct the two Titration experiments in Term 2. Depending on your state, these can either be done at your school or at a local university. 2021 dates for each state are to be announced.
- Top teams in each state will be invited to compete in the ANTC Finals held generally on a Saturday in Term 3 in each state. 2021 dates to be confirmed.
- Titration results will be sent to the national judging panel and the winners announced.
What you’ll need to enter
- Space either in your school science laboratory or at a local university. University bookings can be made through this website. Dates will be released in Term 1 of 2021.
- Apparatus. 1 x 25 or 50 mL burette , 1 x 20 or 25 mL pipette, 1 x 100 mL volumetric flask), 4 x 250 mL conical flask, 1 x 250 mL beaker 1 x 100 mL beaker, conical funnel, Pasteur pipettes, glass rod, wash bottle and supply of deionised/distilled water retort stand and clamp, filter stand, Result Sheet.
Note: It is recommended that each school bring their own apparatus if competing at a local university.
- Materials for each team.
Supply of filter papers, bottle of fresh phenolphthalein indicator solution and marking pens or labels.
Further information on the Apparatus and Materials required can be found in the Competition Rules.
Teacher Support
We’ll be running a free webinar in 2021 for teachers registered in the ANTC on all aspects of conducting successful Titration experiments with practical tips and hints to support your students. 2021 dates to be announced.
ANTC Competition downloads
ANTC Rules 2020
A Guide to Titration (Updated Feb 2020)
ANTC Dr Trevor G Appleton Memorial Award Trophy