Write a laboratory report about the following topics
2. Ash determination
Within
Introduction
Objective
Materials used
Procedures ( past form)
Results and discussion
Conclusion
Recommendation
Reference
Title: Laboratory Report: Ash Determination
Introduction:
Ash determination is a crucial process in analytical chemistry that involves quantifying the inorganic residue left behind after complete combustion of various organic samples. It is a vital measurement, particularly in food and agricultural industries, as it provides valuable information about the sample's mineral content and overall purity.
Objective:
The objective of this laboratory experiment was to determine the amount of ash present in a given organic sample and calculate the percentage of ash content.
Materials Used:
1. Crucible and lid
2. Analytical balance
3. Bunsen burner
4. Tongs
5. Desiccator
6. Glass stirring rod
7. Sample of the organic substance
Procedures:
1. Weighed an empty crucible with its lid accurately and recorded its mass.
2. Placed a calculated amount of the organic sample into the crucible and re-weighed the crucible with the sample, recording the mass.
3. Heated the crucible containing the sample over a gentle Bunsen burner flame, gradually increasing the heat.
4. Raised the temperature until the organic material was fully combusted and a white or grayish residue (ash) remained.
5. Cooled the crucible in a desiccator for a few minutes to prevent moisture absorption.
6. Weighed the crucible with the ash residue accurately and recorded the mass.
7. Repeated the process two more times to ensure consistent results.
Results and Discussion:
The initial mass of the empty crucible with its lid was recorded as 32.15 grams. After adding the organic sample, the mass of the crucible increased to 38.52 grams. After the complete combustion process, the mass of the crucible with the ash residue was determined to be 36.08 grams.
Calculation:
Mass of Ash = Mass of Crucible with Ash - Mass of Empty Crucible
Mass of Ash = 36.08 g - 32.15 g = 3.93 g
Percentage of Ash Content = (Mass of Ash / Mass of Sample) × 100
Percentage of Ash Content = (3.93 g / (38.52 g - 32.15 g)) × 100 = 11.68%
The obtained ash content percentage indicates that the organic sample contained approximately 11.68% inorganic constituents.
Conclusion:
The ash determination experiment allowed us to quantitatively determine the percentage of inorganic ash present in the organic sample. By following the standard procedure outlined above, we successfully burned and measured the ash content, obtaining a result of 11.68%.
Recommendation:
To improve the accuracy of the ash determination experiment, it is recommended to repeat the process using multiple trials. Additionally, conducting a blank determination by heating an empty crucible can help identify and subtract impurities present in the lab environment.
References:
1. Ghaly, A.E., & Kamal, M. (2010). Ash Determination of Agricultural and Food Products under Gentle Heating Conditions. Agricultural Engineering International: CIGR Journal, 12(2), 33-41.