Evaluating the Effect of Temperature on Back Titration Accuracy: A Study of Modern Collision Theory and Calcium Carbonate Content in Eggshells

This investigation examines the effect of temperature on the outcome of a back titration used to determine the percentage composition of calcium carbonate in Gallus gallus domesticus eggshells. While collision theory predicts that increasing temperature enhances reaction rates through more frequent and energetic particle collisions, this study evaluates whether such changes meaningfully influence titration results.

A back titration method was employed in which powdered eggshell samples were reacted with excess hydrochloric acid at three controlled temperatures (14°C, 22°C, and 35°C). The remaining acid was subsequently titrated with standardized sodium hydroxide solution. The volume of titrant required to reach the endpoint was recorded and used to calculate the amount of calcium carbonate present.

Results demonstrated minimal variation in titrant volume across temperature conditions, with a weak positive trend and a negligible coefficient of determination (R² ≈ 0.005). These findings indicate no significant correlation between temperature and titrant volume, suggesting that temperature does not meaningfully affect the measured outcome in this system.

The hypothesis, based on collision theory, was therefore not supported. However, this does not invalidate the theory; rather, it highlights a conceptual limitation, as back titration measures the extent of reaction rather than the reaction rate. Significant experimental errors, including inconsistent endpoint detection and incomplete sample preparation, contributed to a high percent error (97%).

Overall, this study underscores the importance of aligning experimental design with theoretical frameworks when investigating kinetic effects.