A burette is used to deliver very accurate volumes of liquids. It is a very accurate instrument that can give readings to 2 decimal places.

Preparing the burette.

- wash the burette with the liquid that the burette is to be filled with.

- make sure the burette is fixed upright on the stand.

- using a funnel, fill the burette

- record the level of the liquid.

Mixing the solutions together.

- Using a pipette, deliver a very accurate volume of the liquid you wish to test into a 50 conical flask.

- Place one drop of indicator into the flask with the liquid.
An indicator is a chemical that changes colour under certain conditions. We use indicators to tell us when the titrtion should stop. When the indicator changes colour it indicates(hence the term indicator) that the titration complete. Indicators are also used to identify chemicals known as acids and bases. You can make your own natural indicator at home with red cabbage.

- Place the flask under the burette outlet. Open the outlet and deliver liquid from the burette into the flask. With one hand you control the tap on the burette and with the other you constantly swirl the flask.

- Liquid from the burette is added until a permanent colour change is achieved by the indicator in the flask. Often the colour will disappear after swirling. This often indicates that the end is probably a drop or two away.

- Record the level of the liquid in the burette and calculate the amount of liquid that was added. Repeat the steps above several times. The first time it is done quickly so we can get a rough idea as to how much liquid is needed. The second, third and forth times the liquid is added more carefully until the last drop actually changes the colour of the indicator permanently.