Difference Between Endpoint and Equivalence Point

Difference Between Endpoint and Equivalence Point : If you are preparing for the NEET exam, you must be familiar with the concept of titration, a common technique used in analytical chemistry to determine the concentration of an unknown solution. Titration involves adding a known solution (titrant) to an unknown solution (analyte) until a chemical reaction is complete. But how do you know when the reaction is complete?

This is where the terms endpoint and equivalence point come in. In this article, we will explain the difference between endpoint and equivalence point, and how to identify them using indicators or pH meters. Understanding the difference between endpoint and equivalence point is essential for performing accurate titrations and solving related problems in the NEET syllabus .

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Difference Between Endpoint and Equivalence Point

The difference between endpoint and equivalence point is one of the most important concepts in titration, a technique used to measure the concentration of an unknown solution. The equivalence point is the exact point where the amount of titrant added is equal to the amount of analyte in the sample, according to the stoichiometry of the reaction. This means that the reactants have completely converted into products, and the solution is neutral or at the desired pH. The endpoint, on the other hand, is the point where the indicator changes color, signaling the completion of the titration. The indicator is a substance that has a different color in acidic and basic solutions, and it is chosen to match the expected equivalence point. Ideally, the endpoint and the equivalence point should coincide, but in reality, there is usually a small difference between them. This difference is called the titration error, and it can affect the accuracy of the results. To minimize the titration error, one should use a suitable indicator, a sensitive pH meter, and a precise burette. 

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Difference Between Endpoint and Equivalence Point Overview

In this section, we will provide a summary of the difference between endpoint and equivalence point, two important terms in titration. We will compare them based on various parameters, such as definition, occurrence, detection, and error. The table below shows the main differences between endpoint and equivalence point.

Difference Between Endpoint and Equivalence Point
Parameters	Endpoint	Equivalence Point
Definition	the titration point at which the indicator changes color to indicate that the reaction is finished	The point at which the moles of a standard solution (titrant) are stoichiometrically equivalent to the moles of the analyte being titrated
Indicator Use	Relies on indicators to detect the completion of the reaction	May or may not use indicators; can be determined by measuring a physical property such as pH or conductivity
Chemical Reaction	Does not necessarily coincide with the stoichiometric equivalence point	Coincides with the stoichiometric equivalence point, indicating the completion of the reaction
Visual Observation	Observable color change in the presence of an indicator	May not have a visible change; requires monitoring physical properties or using an indicator
Reversibility	Often associated with reversible reactions	Typically occurs in irreversible reactions
Determination in titration	Marks the practical endpoint of titration	Represents the theoretical completion of the reaction based on stoichiometry
Precision in analysis	May have uncertainties due to the subjective judgment of color change	Generally more precise, especially in quantitative analysis, as it is based on the stoichiometry of the reaction

What is Endpoint in Titration?

The endpoint in a titration refers to the point at which a chemical reaction is considered complete, often indicated by a noticeable change in a physical property, such as a color change. It is typically detected using an indicator. The endpoint is a practical observation that helps the experimenter know when to stop adding the titrant. Example : In an acid-base titration using phenolphthalein as an indicator, the endpoint is reached when the solution changes from colorless to pink, signaling that the acid has been neutralized by the base.

What is the Equivalence Point in a titration?

The equivalence point is the point in a titration where the moles of the added titrant are stoichiometrically equivalent to the moles of the analyte being titrated. At this point, the reaction is complete based on the balanced chemical equation, regardless of any observable changes. The equivalence point is a theoretical concept and can be determined precisely by using stoichiometry. Example : In the same acid-base titration, the equivalence point is reached when the moles of the added base are equal to the moles of the acid present, according to the balanced chemical equation, irrespective of the color change of the indicator. Are you looking for online coaching for NEET? Join PW NEET online coaching and get access to expert faculty, live classes, doubt sessions, mock tests, and more. PW NEET online coaching will help you ace the NEET exam with confidence and ease. Enroll now and get ready for the exam.

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