The concentration of Ascorbic acid in lemons, oranges, lemon juice, orange juice and a Berocca tablet were calculated to determine the best way to receive the recommended daily intake of Ascorbic acid.
This experiment was conducted to decide the best source of Ascorbic acid for pregnant women, which is available from a supermarket. The concentrations were finalised by titrating the five substances and then calculating the concentration of Ascorbic acid. It was found that lemons had the highest concentration of Ascorbic acid, which was 0.6175mol/L. The fresh lemon was followed by the Berocca tablet, which had a concentration of 0.585mol/L, lemon juice with 0.5625mol/L, orange with 0.105mol/L, and finally orange juice, which had 0.095mol/L. While the lemon had the highest concentration, it was decided that fresh oranges were the best source of Ascorbic acid for pregnant women. These findings are significant because many pregnant women do not receive the recommended daily intake of Ascorbic acid, which has detrimental health impacts on themselves, and their child.
Table of Contents
1.0 Abstract
2.0 Introduction
3.0 Body
3.1 Acids and Bases
3.2 Le Chatelier’s Principle
3.3 Titrations
3.4 Ascorbic acid
3.5 Secondary Experiment
4.0 Experiment
4.1 Aim
4.2 Hypothesis
4.3 Justification of hypothesis
4.4 Materials
4.5 Methodology
4.6 Experiment Set-up
4.7 Results
5.0 Discussion
6.0 Recommendations
7.0 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This study aims to determine and compare the concentration of Ascorbic acid in various substances—specifically fresh lemon, fresh orange, store-bought lemon juice, store-bought orange juice, and Berocca tablets—to identify the most effective and practical source of Vitamin C for pregnant women.
- Analysis of acid-base chemistry and titration methodologies.
- Evaluation of Ascorbic acid concentrations in natural and processed dietary sources.
- Comparison of nutritional efficiency vs. potential side effects for pregnancy.
- Assessment of the validity and reliability of experimental results through primary and secondary data.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Acids and Bases
All substances are classified as either an acid or base, according to the three theories of acids and bases by Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis. In the Arrhenius Theory of acids and bases, “Acids are substances which produce hydrogen ions in solution” and “bases are substances which product hydroxide ions in solution” (Clark, 2002). The process of neutralisation occurs when hydrogen ions and hydroxide are involved in a chemical reaction; in this reaction an acid and a base is mixed together. The product of this reaction is water and a salt. This chemical reaction is shown below:
Neutralisation according to Arrhenius’ Theory
Example of Neutralisation Reaction
NaOH + HCl -> NaCl + H2O
Sodium Hydroxide + Hydrochloric acid -> Salt + Water
(Study.com, 2016).
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Abstract: Provides a concise overview of the experimental findings, noting that while lemons had the highest Ascorbic acid concentration, oranges were determined to be the superior source for pregnant women.
2.0 Introduction: Outlines the purpose of the experiment, which is to investigate the most effective and cost-efficient way for pregnant women to meet their daily Vitamin C requirements.
3.0 Body: Explores the theoretical background of acids, bases, chemical equilibrium, titration methods, and the chemical properties of Ascorbic acid.
4.0 Experiment: Details the aim, hypothesis, methodology, experimental set-up, and the raw results obtained from titrating the selected samples.
5.0 Discussion: Analyzes the experimental results, interprets why certain products had higher concentrations, and identifies sources of error, such as inaccurate endpoint detection.
6.0 Recommendations: Suggests future improvements, such as utilizing digital pH meters for accuracy and testing a wider variety of nutritional products.
7.0 Conclusion: Summarizes the final verdict that fresh oranges represent the best balance of Ascorbic acid delivery and safety for pregnant women.
Keywords
Ascorbic acid, Vitamin C, Titration, Pregnancy, Acids and Bases, Neutralisation, Chemical Equilibrium, Concentration, Nutrition, Chemistry, Lemon, Orange, Berocca, Experimental Analysis, pH Scale
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The study focuses on identifying the most efficient source of Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) for pregnant women by comparing natural fruits and common health supplements.
What are the central thematic areas?
The core themes are analytical chemistry, specifically titration and acid-base reactions, applied to practical nutritional science for pregnancy.
What is the primary goal of the study?
The primary goal is to predict the best method for pregnant women to consume their recommended daily intake of Vitamin C while minimizing potential side effects like heartburn.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The research uses the titration method, involving a standardized base (Sodium Hydrogen Sulphate) to determine the unknown concentration of Ascorbic acid in various samples.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The body covers Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, and Lewis acid-base theories, Le Chatelier’s Principle, titration procedures, and the chemical properties of Vitamin C.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Ascorbic acid, titration, pregnancy, chemical equilibrium, and nutritional analysis.
How did the experimental results for lemons compare to Berocca tablets?
Lemons showed the highest concentration at 0.6175mol/L, while Berocca tablets were slightly lower at 0.585mol/L, though both were more concentrated than the orange-based samples.
Why were fresh oranges recommended over fresh lemons despite lower concentration?
While lemons had higher concentrations, they are highly acidic and were found to potentially cause heartburn in pregnant women, making oranges a more comfortable and practical daily source.
- Quote paper
- Kassidy-Rose McMahon (Author), 2016, Chemistry in a Shopping Trolley. Ascorbic acid Concentrations of fresh orange, fresh lemon, store-bought orange juice, store-bought lemon juice and a Berocca tablet, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/342696
