What is the primary purpose of using a burette in a titration?

The primary purpose of using a burette in a titration is to provide precise measurement and delivery of liquid reagents. A burette is specifically designed for titration techniques because it has a graduated scale that allows for accurate reading of the volume of liquid dispensed. The stopcock at the bottom allows for controlled release of the titrant, enabling the deliverer to add the reagent dropwise and observe the reaction's progression closely.

This precise control is crucial because titrations are often used to determine the concentration of an unknown solution by reacting it with a titrant of known concentration until a specific endpoint is reached, typically indicated by a color change. The accuracy of the measurement directly affects the reliability of the results.

While mixing solutions is important, it is not the primary function of the burette. Temperature measurements do not typically fall under the scope of what a burette is used for. Observing color change is an essential part of the titration process, but it is a result of the reaction occurring and not a function that the burette performs. Thus, the use of a burette is fundamentally about ensuring that the titrant is measured and added precisely during the titration process.