Chemical Reactions Lab

Classifying Chemical Reactions

Purpose: The purpose of this experiment is to observe a variety of chemical reactions and to identify patterns in the conversion of reactants into products.
Apparatus:
• Bunsen or lab burner -Test tube clamp
• Butane safety lighter - Test tube rack
• Evaporating dish - Wash bottle
• Forceps or crucible tongs - Wood Splints
• Heat resistant pad
• Litmus paper
• Pipets
• Spatula
• Test tubes
Materials:
 Ammonium carbonate, 0.5g
 Calcium carbonate, 0.5g
 Copper chloride solution, 4mL
 Hydrochloric acid, 4mL
 Magnesium ribbon, 2-4 cm strips
 Phenolphthalein indicator, 1 drop
 Sodium hydroxide solution, 1mL
 Sodium phosphate solution, 1mL
 Water
 Zinc, mossy, or zinc shot, 1-2 pieces
Introduction: In this lab we will classify different chemical reactions. Classifying chemical reactions allows us to predict what chemical reactions will occur when different substances are mixed.
Procedures:
Reaction 1)
1. Obtain a 3-4 cm strip of magnesium metal ribbon. Hold the piece of magnesium with forceps or crucible tongs and heat the metal in a lab burner flame.
2. When the magnesium ignites, remove it from the flame and hild it over an evaporating dish or a Pyrex watch glass until the metal has burned completely. Let the product fall into the evaporating dish.
3. Turn off the lab burner and observe the properties of the product in the evaporating dish.
4. Record observations in the data table.
Reaction 2)
5. Using a beral-type pipet, add about 2mL of 1 M hydrochloric acid solution to a small test tube.
6. Obtain a 2-3 cm strip of magnesium metal ribbon and coil it loosely into a small ball. Add the magnesium metal to the acid in the test tube.
7. Carefully feel the sides of the test tube and observe the resulting chemical reaction for about 30 seconds.
8. While the reaction is still occurring, light a wood splint and quickly place the burning splint in the mouth of the