What are standard solutions used for in titrations?

Standard solutions are crucial in titrations because they have accurately known concentrations. This allows for precise calculations of the concentration of an unknown solution when they are reacted together. By using a standard solution, the amount of substance reacted can be measured exactly, leading to reliable results and conclusions about the concentration of other solutions being analyzed.

In a titration, the standard solution is typically used as the titrant, which is added to the analyte until the endpoint is reached, often indicated by a color change if an indicator is present. The known concentration of the standard solution is what allows chemists to determine how much of the unknown solution is present, based on the stoichiometry of the reaction.

This concept is fundamental in quantitative chemical analysis, as the precision in the concentration of the standard solution directly affects the accuracy of the titration results.