What is the proper procedure for preparing a buret for titration?

The proper procedure for preparing a buret for titration involves rinsing it out with distilled water to ensure that any contaminants or residues from previous uses are removed. Distilled water is used because it is free from impurities and does not introduce any unwanted chemicals into the titration solution, thereby preserving the accuracy of the results.

Rinsing the buret with distilled water helps to prepare the glassware, ensuring that it is clean and ready to contain the titrant without affecting its chemical composition or reactivity. This step is crucial since any leftover substances could lead to inaccurate measurements during the titration process.

Using tap water is not advisable for rinsing a buret since it contains minerals and other contaminants that may interfere with the titration results. Drying it with a cloth might leave lint and other fibers that could also contaminate the solution. Soaking it in an acid solution is unnecessary and could damage the glassware, as well as leave residues that could compromise the next titration. Therefore, rinsing the buret with distilled water is the best choice to ensure a proper titration setup.