Titration is an important laboratory tool used in measuring the concentration of a known reactant. It involves adding a known volume of a solution of known concentration to another solution of unknown concentration until the reaction between them is complete. There are two types of titration: volumetric and potentiometric.
In this blog, we will discuss the differences between volumetric and potentiometric titrations and explain which one is best suited for what type of experiment.
Overview of volumetric titration

Volumetric titration is a type of titration used to measure the concentration of an unknown solution by measuring the volume of a reagent of known concentration that is added to it. It is the most common type of titration used in laboratory experiments and is used in a wide variety of applications.
Volumetric titration is distinct from potentiometric titration, which measures the electrical potential of an unknown solution and compares it to known concentrations. The difference between these two titration techniques is that volumetric titration measures the volume of a reagent, while potentiometric titration measures the electrical potential of the solution. Both methods are used to determine the concentration of an unknown solution, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Overview of potentiometric titration

Potentiometric titration is a powerful analytical technique for determining the exact concentration of a given sample solution. It is a type of titration that uses an electrode to measure the potential of the sample solution and can be used to measure a wide range of concentrations.
This method of titration is different from volumetric titration which uses an indicator or reagent to visually determine the end point of the titration. In potentiometric titration, the end point is determined by measuring the potential difference between the sample solution and the titrant. This method of titration is more accurate and precise than volumetric titration since the end point can be determined more precisely.
Furthermore, it is also faster since there is no need to wait for the indicator or reagent to change color. All in all, potentiometric titration is a powerful and efficient method to accurately determine the concentration of a sample solution.
Comparison of volumetric and potentiometric titration
Titration is a laboratory technique used to determine the concentration of a specific chemical in a solution. There are two main types of titration: volumetric and potentiometric. Both methods involve measuring the concentration of a solution, but the differences between them are important to consider when deciding which method is best suited for a particular application.
Both methods involve measuring the concentration of a solution, but the differences between them are important to consider when deciding which method is best suited for a particular application. Volumetric titration is a method of analysis in which the volume of a solution of known concentration is measured and compared to the volume of a solution of unknown concentration. This method relies on the fact that the reaction between two solutions of known concentration occurs in a predictable way and that the volume of one solution will always be equal to the volume of the other.
Potentiometric titration, on the other hand, is a method of analysis in which the electrical potential of a solution of known concentration is measured and compared to the electrical potential of a solution of unknown concentration. This method relies on the fact that the electrical potential of a solution changes as the reaction between two solutions of known concentration occurs. The main difference between volumetric and potentiometric titration is that the former relies on measuring the volumes of the two solutions while the latter relies on measuring the electrical potentials of the two solutions.
The main difference between volumetric and potentiometric titration is that the former relies on measuring the volumes of the two solutions while the latter relies on measuring the electrical potentials of the two solutions. Additionally, volumetric titration requires the use of a calibrated burette while potentiometric titration requires the use of a calibrated meter. The choice between the two methods of analysis ultimately depends on the nature of the application and the accuracy of the results desired.
Advantages and disadvantages of volumetric and potentiometric titration
Titration is a laboratory technique used to determine the exact concentration of a solution. It is a type of quantitative analysis.
While both techniques are used to determine the concentration of a solution, there are some key differences between them. Volumetric titration is a method of titration which uses a burette to measure the volume of a solution.
It is most often used to measure the concentration of an unknown acid or base solution. In this method, a known concentration of a base (or acid) is slowly added to the unknown solution. The end point of the titration is determined when the solution changes color, indicating the complete reaction of the acid and base.
On the other hand, potentiometric titration is a method which uses an electrode and an electrode meter to measure the potential of the ionic species in the solution. This method is used to measure a variety of different concentrations, including acids, bases and salts.
In this method, a known concentration of a reagent is added to the unknown solution until the electrode meter shows a change in the potential of the ionic species in the solution. The main difference between volumetric and potentiometric titration is the way in which the end point is determined. Volumetric titration uses a visual indicator to detect the end point, while potentiometric titration uses an electrode meter to measure the potential. Both techniques are accurate and reliable methods for determining the concentration of a solution, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Examples of volumetric and potentiometric titration
Volumetric and potentiometric titration are two types of titration methods used to measure the concentration of an analyte in a sample solution. The main difference between volumetric and potentiometric titration is that the former involves the measurement of a volume of the titrant, while the latter involves the measurement of potential or electrical current.
The endpoint is the point at which enough of the titrant has been added to neutralize or react with the analyte. In potentiometric titration, a voltage or current is measured instead of a volume, and the endpoint is reached when the current or voltage reaches a predefined value.
Examples of volumetric titration include acid-base and redox titrations, while potentiometric titration is used to measure the concentration of ions in a sample solution.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, volumetric titration and potentiometric titration are two distinct methods used to measure the concentration of a solution. Volumetric titration relies on the measurement of a volume of titrant to determine the concentration of the solution, while potentiometric titration uses an electrochemical potential to measure the concentration. Both methods have their own benefits and drawbacks, and the choice of method should be based on the particular requirements of the analysis.