Titration Competition


The RACI's Titration Competition is designed to encourage secondary students who enjoy Chemistry, particularly its practical side, to develop their scientific skills and understanding. It provides students an opportunity to experience conducting an experiment in a laboratory environment at a local university in their state and the chance to compete at a national level.

What is the Titration experiment? 

Each team member performs two sets of acid-base titrations in order to determine the unknown concentration of a weak acid in a solution that is supplied to them. This weak acid is either ethanoic acid (commonly known as acetic acid), oxalic acid or potassium hydrogen phthalate. A solution of the strong base sodium hydroxide is standardised against the standard acid provided, before being used to determine the concentration of the unknown acid.

How does the competition work?

Each state and territory has varying preliminary investigation activities leading to the identification of the most proficient teams that will qualify to participate in the national component (finals) of the competition. Refer to state or territory-based information (on the right hand side of this page) for the specific information for each location. 

ach team member performs two sets of acid-base titrations in order to determine the unknown concentration of a weak acid in a solution that is supplied to them. This weak acid is either ethanoic acid (commonly known as acetic acid) or oxalic acid. This acid is standardised against a solution of the strong base, sodium hydroxide, which is first standardised against a standard solution of an acid (either hydrochloric acid or oxalic acid).


How does the judging work? 

Judging is based on the values each team reports for whichever unknown weak acid is being used in the preliminary titration investigation within their state or territory. Teams are ranked on how close they get to the actual concentration for each acid. These volumetric analyses vary slightly from state to state,but are equivalent in their requirements. 

Judging is based on the values each team reports for the concentration of the 3 weak acid solutions. Teams are ranked on how close they get to the actual concentration for each acid solution.
These volumetric analyses vary slightly from state to state, but are equivalent in their requirements.

It is endeavoured that the top teams in each state or territory competition will be invited to participate in the national finals held in Term 3. All finalists complete the same analysis using the provided samples of solid potassium hydrogen phthalate. Some students will do this at university campuses, others at school. 

National Titration winners will be announced at the start of Term 4. All national finalists receive a gold or silver badge and a team plaque and certificates are awarded to outstanding teams. 

Titration Competition Rules, Guide and history

2023 Finals - University Venues 

2023 Finals - Details for own school venues 

A Guide to Titration (Updated Feb 2022, this document is still relevant for 2023)

Tips for Titration Coordinators

ANTC Dr Trevor G Appleton Memorial Award Trophy


2023 Titration Competition Final Results

 

 

 

Beenleigh High School students have always been keen to participate in the RACI National Titration Competition over many years, dating back to 1984. The competition fosters an enjoyment of Chemistry, providing opportunities for the students to develop their skills and understanding while conducting an experiment in a university laboratory environment.
Our titration students have shown commitment to practice, to think scientifically and to communicate effectively as a team, to minimise both random and systematic errors. The collaborative team format of the competition helps to create a fun and exciting atmosphere which greatly adds to the enjoyment of mastering titration skills.
Winning the competition this year, together with 3 excellent team results was a wonderful surprise and was an added bonus for the students’ hard work and dedication.
We would like to thank all the teachers, science technicians and volunteers who give up their time year after year to ensure the continued existence and success of the competition.

 


Jan Robbins has been a valued member of Beenleigh High School since 1976 until her retirement this year. Her passion and dedication to educating students has shone through in the achievements of Beenleigh SHS students in the RACI Titration Competition. Jan has mentored our teams each year, from the first team in 1984 (achieving an Excellent Result), through to the achievement of State and National placings over the decades, culminating in the awarding of National Champions this year. What a wonderful way to end her official teaching career!


2023 National Titration Competition Final Results

 

PLACE

SCHOOL

TEAM SCORE

1

Beenleigh State High School QLD

29

2  Abbotsleigh NSW  90
3 The Hutchins School TAS 110 

4

Wynnum State High School QLD

131

5

Torrens Valley Christian School SA

170

6

Belmont City College WA

185

7

St John's Grammar School SA

193

8

Ursula Frayne Catholic College WA

206

9

Presbyterian Ladies College, Sydney NSW

266

10 Taroona High School (9-10) TAS 329
11  Hobart College TAS 350

12

Concordia College, SA

369

13

St Hilda's School, QLD

405

14 Taroona High School (9-10) TAS 425

15

Adelaide Botanic High School, SA

441

16 Saint Margaret's Anglican Girls' School, QLD 445

17

Brisbane Girls Grammar School, QLD

477

18

Radford College, ACT

566

19

Beenleigh State High School, QLD

593

20 Hellyer College TAS 618

21

St George Girls High School, NSW

689

22

St Hilda's School, QLD

706

23 Nuriootpa High School, SA 720

24

James Ruse Agricultural High School, NSW

755

25 Taroona High School (9-10) TAS 833

26

Beenleigh State High School, QLD

926

27 Radford College, ACT 979
28 Guilford Young College TAS 1021
29 Guilford Young College TAS 1073

30

All Saints Anglican College, QLD

1086

31

Guildford Grammar School, WA

1196

32 Radford College, ACT 1249 
33 Hobart College TAS 1273 
34 James Ruse Agricultural High School, NSW 1326 
35 Mansfield State High School, QLD 1355 
36 Mitchelton State High School, QLD  1385
37 Fort Street High School, NSW  1413
38 Trinity Anglican School Cairns, QLD  1430
39  Ursula Frayne Catholic College, WA 1457


Elaine Bergmann NTC Coordinator 

 

2023 Titration Competition

Entries for the 2023 competition are closed.

Register here

Titration Teacher Challenge

Calling all Chemistry Educators and Laboratory Technicians - Can you titrate as well as your students?

Find out more

Titration Competition Qld State Finals - Win News


School Training Videos

 

Titration Training | Acid-base titration

Titration Training | Making a Standard Solution


Tips to Improve your Titration Skills

 

Step 1. RACI Titration Equipment needed

Step 2. Titration Rinsing Glassware

Step 3. Titration Rinsing Pipette