What does a titration curve illustrate?

A titration curve effectively illustrates the change in pH during a titration process. This curve is typically produced by plotting the pH of a solution against the volume of titrant added. As titrant is introduced, the pH of the solution will shift significantly at certain points, especially near the equivalence point where the amount of acid equals the amount of base.

Understanding the shape of the titration curve is crucial for identifying key characteristics of the titration, such as the equivalence point and the endpoint, where the indicator changes color. The steep changes in the curve correspond to the neutralization of the reactants, providing important information about the acid-base properties of the solutions involved.

In contrast, elements like pressure changes, volumetric concentration, or temperature variations during mixing are not depicted in a titration curve, as these factors pertain to different aspects of chemical reactions or solute behavior. Thus, while they are relevant in various contexts, they do not directly relate to the function of a titration curve, which is solely focused on changes in pH as titrant is added.