Further developments in the high-precision coulometric titration of uranium.

An experimental study of the current efficiency in the coulometric generation of Ti(III), as a function of electrolyte composition, current density and electrode material, has been performed. The cathodes investigated include platinum, mercury and graphite. The first two are suitable for high-precision determination of uranium. The graphite surface is readily poisoned, rendering it useless for high-accuracy work. The use of mercury requires thorough removal of chloride from the system. The precision and error obtained are comparable for both the mercury and platinum cathodes, and are of the order of 50 ppm.

A Report on the National Bureau of Standards pH Standards.

In 1980, the research program in pH was re-established at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS). This report describes the state of this research, as well as the state of the NBS pH standards. The thermodynamic definition and the determination of pH are elaborated. The problems of liquid junction potentials encountered in the practical determination of pH are discussed. The goal of the research program in pH is to develop and maintain a unified pH scale based on clearly stated thermodynamic criteria, with a wide range of applicability to practical pH measurements.

On the atomic weight of potassium.

A brief survey of data is made, which indicates the possibility that the present internationally accepted value for the atomic weight of potassium (39.102) is too high. Additional experimental evidence is brought to light, which also supports this conclusion.