
To put it simply, a primary standard is a factual universal measurement while a secondary standard is a device directly calibrated previously by the primary standard.
What are the characteristics of primary standard?
Standard requirements for the primary standards are:
- Cheap and readily available
- Nontoxic
- A high molecular weight
- High stability
- Low reactivity
- High purity
- Non-Hygroscopicity
What does primary standard mean?
A primary standard is a substance of known high purity (99.9% pure) which may be dissolved in a known volume of solvent to give a primary standard solution. Primary standards are reagents that can involve in chemical reactions.
What is the definition of primary standard?
A primary standard is defined as a device or object used as the reference in a calibration that is acknowledged to be of the highest metrological quality and that derives its measurement without reference to some other standard of the same quantity. 1 For example, a flowmeter that
What is primary and secandory standard solution?
What Is a Primary Standard in Chemistry?
- Properties. Primary standards are typically used in titration to determine an unknown concentration and in other analytical chemistry techniques.
- Examples. It might seem odd that a reagent is needed to establish the concentration of a chemical in solution.
- Secondary Standard. ...

What is the difference between primary and secondary standard?
To put it simply, a primary standard is a factual universal measurement while a secondary standard is a device directly calibrated previously by the primary standard.
What is a Secondary Standard?
A secondary standard is any measuring device that has been calibrated against a primary standard.
Does Harwood have a primary calibration?
However, if the device being calibrated is, itself, going to be used as a standard to calibrate others, it should have a primary calibration. Harwood Engineering has been providing high pressure testing services and pressure gauge calibration for more than 65 years.
What is secondary standard?
Secondary standard in turn is used for the purpose of calibration of control material in smaller lab for analysis of unknown concentration of a substance . So basically, secondary standard serves the purpose of external quality control for smaller labs.
What are the features of a primary standard?
Some features of a primary standard are; A primary standard is a reagent that is extremely pure, stable, has no waters of hydration, and has a high molecular weight. In chemistry, a primary standard is a reliable, readily qualified substances. Some features of a primary standard are;
Why use primary solid?
Sometimes it is easier to use the primary (solid) to prepare a secondary solution of known molarity that can be quickly titrated against the unknown. This is not as stable or "known" as the primary and needs to be re-standardized or made fresh over. The primary input for this is poorly paid lab assistants.
What is a standard in science?
Standards are materials containing a precisely known concentration of a substance for use in quantitative analysis.
Is a compound a good primary standard?
Also, a compound which may be a good primary standard for one purpose may not be the best choice for another analysis.
Is potassium dichromate a primary standard?
Potassium Dichromate (K2Cr2O7) is suitable to be used as primary standard. Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4), is not suitable to be used as a primary standard because of following reasons :-. It cannot be obtained in very pure form.
Is Helen's answer correct?
Turns out Helen's answer is mostly correct. The main context here is quantitative analytical chemistry, Quant to you students. If you want to know much of a given substance (atom/molecule) is in some mixture/solution X, you add a know quantity of something Y that reacts strongly and completely with it until X is used up. This is indicated by a steep pH change (color, voltage change-see indicators) or the end of precipitation when more Y is added. To make this work Y should have the properties Harris listed.
Why are primary standards used?
Primary standards are used for the standardization of solutions because they have high purity, are cheap, hygroscopic, and nontoxic. Generally, they are used in titrations like,
What is secondary standard solution?
The secondary standard solution is a solution, in which the concentration of dissolved solute has not been determined, from the weight of the compound but by the titration against a primary standard.
Why is HCl not a primary standard?
HCl is not a primary standard because it is in a gaseous state at room temperature. If it dissolved in water (~37%), still not a primary standard, due to the continuous evaporation at room temperature. A good primary standard is nonreactive toward the atmosphere.
Why is sodium carbonate used to standardize HCl?
Sodium carbonate is used to standardize HCl because Na 2 CO 3 is a primary standard with a relatively high molecular weight and is highly stable. Moreover, it is a base so it can be titrated against a specific volume of HCl.
What is the standard for HPLC?
The standard used for the standardization of HPLC (High pressure liquid chromatography) is caffeine. 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine (caffeine) a central nervous stimulant is used in standardization processes due to its high purity and stability. Its solution in water is usually applied as a standard for HPLC and is run just like a sample. High R 2 values indicate the correct working of HPLC.
What is the purpose of calculating the weight of a standard chemical?
Calculations are done to find the approximate weight of the primary standard chemical needed to make up the known volume of the standard solution.
How accurate is a primary standard?
The precision in weighing is ordinarily 0.1-0.2 mg. For accuracy of 1 part in 1000, it is necessary to employ samples weighing at least 0.2 g.
What are Secondary Standards?
EPA has established National Primary Drinking Water Regulations National Primary Drinking Water Regulations Legally enforceable standards that apply to public water systems.
Why Set Secondary Standards?
These contaminants are not health threatening at the SMCL public water systems only need to test for them on a voluntary basis. Then why it is necessary to set secondary standards?
What Problems are Caused by these Contaminants?
There are a wide variety of problems related to secondary contaminants.
How Can these Problems be Corrected?
Although state health agencies and public water systems often decide to monitor and treat their supplies for secondary contaminants, federal regulations do not require them to do this. Where secondary contaminants are a problem, the types of removal technologies discussed below are corrective actions which the water supplier can take.
What Can You Do?
First, identify your local public water system. If you pay a water bill, the name, address, and telephone number of your supplier should be on the bill. If you do not pay a water bill, then contact your landlord, building manager, or the local health department — they should know.
