Potassium Permanganate Analysis
Laboratory Assignment: Your task is to analyze potassium permanganate solutions using
two experimental techniques-atomic adsorption and colorimetric analysis. These
analyses are to be performed to the highest standards of accuracy possible with the
equipment available using statistical analysis of multiple experimental measurements,
multiple analysis of any calibration standards you have prepared and propagation of error
in any calibration methods used for these analyses. The experimental results of these two
analyses of an unknown potassium permanganate solution given to you by your
laboratory instructor shall be reported as to the average values and the standard
deviations of these multiple analyses. A report of the experimental methods you have
used, methods used for calibration purposes, methods used for error analysis and the
results of these experiments shall be prepared by the due date. The report should clearly
state which is the most accurate experimental method for the determination of the
unknown concentration.
Oral Exam: Explain how our Atomic Absorption (AA) Spectrometer works. Explain the
calibration procedure for AA. Explain the data reduction process you will follow for AA
with special attention to error analysis and error minimization. Explain how Colorimetric
Analysis (CA) works. Explain the calibration procedure for CA. Explain the data
reduction process you will follow for CA with special attention to error analysis and error
minimization.
LabPrep: 100 gms KMnO4, UV-Vis Spectrometers (both scanning [Centra] and fixed
wavelength). Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Unknown samples in the 1-10 gm/L
potassium permanganate concentration range.