Comparisons of Quantitative Methods Through Analyses of TUMS

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 12 Issue 5 (2007) pp 353-369

Comparisons of Quantitative Methods Through Analyses of TUMS

Houston Byrd* and Cynthia P. Tidwell*

Department of Biology, Chemistry & Mathematics, University of Montevallo, Montevallo, AL 35115, ByrdH@montevallo.edu
Received April 21, 2006. Accepted May 10, 2007.

Published online: 20 August 2007

Abstract. A comparative study of gravimetric analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and an EDTA titration for the determination of the calcium content in TUMS tablets was conducted in our undergraduate analytical chemistry laboratory. The students carried out the experiments using these techniques and completed a statistical analysis of each experiment to determine if there was a difference in the analytical techniques. These experiments introduce the students to analytical techniques and facilitate an understanding of analytical chemistry. Students develop critical thinking skills, which enable them to choose the best analytical method to solve a problem. Students decide the preferred method by analyzing the same sample using three different analytical techniques, comparing the results, and reflecting on the procedures and results.

Key Words: Laboratories and Demonstrations; quantitative analysis; atomic spectroscopy; gravimetric analysis; titration/volumetric analysis

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: shb6@cornell.edu)

Article in PDF format (49 KB) HTML format

Supporting Materials:

The supporting materials include all of the background, procedures, and questions that are given to the students. An equipment list and a chemicals list, including CAS numbers and safety information, are also included for each experiment (148 KB).