In an acid-base titration, the stoichiometric point and the endpoint are two crucial concepts that often get confused. However, they signify different stages of the titration process.
The stoichiometric point, also known as the equivalence point, is the theoretical point in the titration where the amount of titrant added is exactly enough to completely neutralize the analyte solution. At this stage, the moles of acid equal the moles of base according to the balanced chemical equation. If you were to graph the pH during a titration, this point would correspond to a steep slope in the curve.
On the other hand, the endpoint is the point in the titration at which the indicator changes color, signalling that the reaction has occurred up to this point. The endpoint should ideally coincide with the stoichiometric point, but this is not always the case due to factors like the choice of the indicator or the precision of the titration process.
In summary, while the stoichiometric point is a theoretical value representing complete neutralization, the endpoint is a practical observation used to indicate that neutralization has occurred. Understanding the difference between these two points is essential for accurate titration results.