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Difference Between Endpoint and Equivalence Point

Last Updated : 30 Nov, 2023
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Difference Between Endpoint and Equivalence Point: The endpoint and equivalence point are two important stages that occur throughout Titration. The point of equivalence in a titration is the chemical equivalent between the added titrant and the sample analyte. The endpoint, on the other hand, is when the color of the solution changes. The primary difference between the equivalence point and the endpoint lies in their significance during a chemical analysis. The equivalence point marks the moment when the chemical reaction is complete and the reactants have fully converted into products. In contrast, the endpoint is the point where a noticeable change in color or signal occurs, typically due to the addition of an indicator.

In this article, you will learn about what are endpoint and equivalence points in Titration, along with the difference between Endpoint and Equivalence Point.

What is Endpoint?

The endpoint is the location in a system where the color changes. It shows that the titration has finished. The titration’s endpoint is the point at which the color of the solution entirely changes due to the production of the product as a result of the addition of the indicator.

  • It should be noted that weak acids only display one titration endpoint.
  • Indicators are often not used during titrations.
  • The pH of the solution may be read using pH meters to determine if the reaction was successful.
  • When a strong base and acid are present, a pH of 7 indicates that the process is finished.
  • It’s true that the endpoint may be easily monitored by looking at the color change, which is why indicators are frequently utilized.

What is Equivalence Point?

A chemical reaction’s equivalence point, also known as the stoichiometric point, is the point at which chemically equivalent quantities of reactants have been combined.

  • The equivalency point for an acid-base reaction is the point at which the moles of acid and base would neutralize each other according to the chemical reaction.
  • This does not always indicate a 1:1 molar ratio of acid: base, but rather that the ratio is the same as in the chemical reaction.
  • It may be located using an indicator.
  • Titration of acids and bases can happen between a strong base and a weak base, a strong base and a weak acid, a strong base, and a strong base, or a weak polyprotic acid.
  • A different indicator may be employed depending on the kind of solution used for titration.

What is the difference between Endpoint and Equivalence Point?

The endpoint is the point at which the indicator changes color while the Equivalence point is the point at which the titrant and the analyte in the sample are chemically identical.

In the endpoint, weak acids can only have one equivalence point. In contrast, in the equivalence point, weak acids can have multiple equivalence points due to their ability to partially ionize. It’s important to note that the endpoint may not always precisely coincide with where the chemical reaction terminates, whereas the equivalence point indicates the completion of the reaction.

Tabular Difference Between Endpoint and Equivalence Point

Here are the points of difference between Endpoint and Equivalence Point in the following table:

Endpoint

Equivalence Point

The point at which the indicator changes color. The point at which the titrant and the analyte in the sample are chemically identical.
Following the equivalency point. This occurs before the endpoint.
Weak acids can only have one terminal. Weak acids can have numerous sites of equivalency.
It may not always indicate where the response terminates. It indicates where the reaction finishes.
It appears either at the equivalence point or after the equivalent point. It appears either near or before an endpoint.

Summary – Endpoint vs Equivalence Point

The article elucidates the distinction between the endpoint and equivalence point in the context of titration. In titration, the equivalence point marks the moment when chemically equivalent quantities of reactants have fully converted into products. It signifies the completion of the chemical reaction. On the other hand, the endpoint is the point at which a noticeable change in color or signal occurs, typically due to the addition of an indicator. While the equivalence point represents the precise termination of the reaction, the endpoint is observable through a color change. The article further delves into the characteristics of endpoint and equivalence point, highlighting their significance and differences in the titration process. It provides insights into how weak acids may have multiple equivalence points, and tabulates the distinctions between the two points for clarity.

FAQs on Difference Between Endpoint and Equivalence Point

1. What does it mean when the endpoint appears after the equivalence point?

The endpoint is defined as the point at which the color of the indicator changes. The color shift occurs when the titration solution turns basic at a specific point. As a result, after the whole neutralization has happened at the equivalence point, the endpoint may be established.

2. What happens at the point of equivalence?

The equivalency point occurs when the amount of titrant employed to neutralize the analyte solution is just enough to completely neutralize the analyte solution. When an acid-base titration hits the equivalence point, the moles of base equals the moles of acid, and the solution is made up entirely of salt and water.

3. What is the difference between an endpoint and an equivalency point in a titration?

The titration stage at which the concentrations of titrate and titrant are equivalent in terms of chemical similarity is referred to as the equation point. It is the point in the titration process when the solution changes color or intensity, indicating that the titration is complete. A change in the hue or intensity of the solution represents an endpoint.

4. Is it feasible to have the same endpoint and equivalence point?

The endpoint and equivalence point are not synonymous, but due to minimal variation, they can be considered the same for laboratory testing purposes.

5. Why is the equivalency point more exact than the endpoint in terms of measurement accuracy?

The equivalence point represents the titrant’s full interaction with the analyte, whereas the endpoint represents the completion of the titration, which is feasible concurrently if the titrant’s pH equals the solution’s equivalence point.



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