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. 

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. 

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

Elaine Bergmann NTC Coordinator 

Register here

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory 
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia
  

School Training Videos

Tips to Improve your Titration Skills

See all our Titration videos