Chemicals and Properties

Ocean County College
Department of Chemistry
Physical and Chemical Properties
Submitted by

Date Submitted: February 2, 2014
Date Performed: January 31, 2014
Lab Section: Chem-180
Course Instructor: Professor Spenser Purpose
The purpose of this lab experiment is to observe physical and chemical properties of substances which are also known as chemicals. Procedure
For this laboratory experiment I followed the detailed procedures outline in the Labpaq manual by P. Jeschofnig, LP-0125-CK-01. (Jeschofnig, Peter., Ph.D., "Physical and Chemical Properties." General College Chemistry. Englewood, CO: Hands on Lab Inc., 0. 65-71. Print.) First, I followed all safety measures as outlined therein. After assembling all the necessary supplies and equipment needed to conduct this experiment, I began the lab experiment by identifying physical properties : the color and odor for each substances (a, b, c, d, e, f & g) by observing and smelling each substance then notating my findings. (See excel worksheet which identifies each substance tested in this experiment.) I then added each chemical a, b, c, d, e, f & g separately to a test tube and tested the effect of heat by holding it over a fire source. I observed to see if there was any change in color, conduction of heat or gas. Second, I added each chemical separately a, b, c, d, e, f, g to a test tube and notated the effect of cold water. Third, I added water to each chemical separately a, b, c, d, e, f, g to a test tube and notated the effect of hot water by holding it over a fire source until a boiling point was reached. I noted any observations observed such as bubbling, heat, conduction, gas etc. Fourth, after allowing the solution to cool down from the prior step, I tested the pH of each chemical using red and blue litmus paper. I used a stir stick to place one drop of the solution to both the red and blue litmus paper and recorded my findings on whether each chemical is an acid or a base. I did this by placing a drop of the mixture of each chemical a, b, c, d, e, f, g separately on both the blue and red litmus paper. If the red litmus paper turned blue this would indicate the chemical is a base. Subsequently, if the blue litmus paper turned red this indicates the chemical is an acid. Fifth, I added Hydrochloric Acid to each chemical a, b, c, d, e, f, g separately, then I notated any physical or chemical reaction(s) observed; i.e. bubbles, heat conduction, gas etc. Sixth, I added Sodium Hydroxide separately to each substance a,b,c,d,e,f,g and notated any physical or chemical reaction(s) observed; i.e. bubbles, heat conduction, gas etc. I documented my observations as I tested each step on to an Excel worksheet. I concluded by cleaning the lab area and returning the area to a safe and clean environment void of any hazardous chemicals. Observations and Results
See Excel Attachment. Conclusions
After conducting this laboratory experiment on Physical and Chemical Properties, I was able to conclude that all chemicals have physical and chemical properties or characteristics that help us to identify them. According to the textbook, Basic Chemistry by Karen and William Timberlake, “A chemical is a substance that always has the same composition and properties wherever it is found.” (Timberlake, Karen C., and William E. Timberlake. "Chemisty in Our Lives."Basic chemistry. Fourth ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson, 2014. 4. Print.) “Physical” properties of chemicals include, but are not limited to, color, odor, boiling point, etc.; all of which were observed in this lab experiment. Physical properties of chemicals will not alter their pure chemical nature, rather they aid in the identification of substances and how they react in nature. For example, NaCl when dissolved in water does not change the physical property of the substance. This is an example of a physical change.
To identify the “chemical” properties of these substances each chemical was mixed with other substances, introduced to heat, water and the pH was tested. It’s important to note, that these identifying chemical properties can change the chemical nature of the chemical when the prior was performed. Identifying the chemical properties of a substance will help us identify and understand how they behave in different conditions and in nature as well as creating new chemicals when they are combined with other substances. An example, of a chemical change observed during the experiment was when HCI an acid was mixed with MgO a base; thus causing a chemical change.
I feel this lab experiment was very successful. It satisfied the principle of understanding that all matter contains both physical and chemical properties that help identify them and how they react in nature. I am hoping that subsequent lab experiments will aid in my full understanding of physical and chemical properties and how to know decisively whether a physical or chemical change took place.
References

List all your references. Be sure to use the APA format.
1. Jeschofnig, Peter., Ph.D., "Physical and Chemical Properties." General College Chemistry. Englewood, CO: Hands on Lab Inc., 0. 65-71. Print.
2. Hands on Lab Inc., Englewood, CO.
3. Timberlake, Karen C., and William E. Timberlake. "Chemisty in Our Lives."Basic chemistry. Fourth ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson, 2014. 4. Print.

References: List all your references. Be sure to use the APA format. 1. Jeschofnig, Peter., Ph.D., "Physical and Chemical Properties." General College Chemistry. Englewood, CO: Hands on Lab Inc., 0. 65-71. Print. 2. Hands on Lab Inc., Englewood, CO. 3. Timberlake, Karen C., and William E. Timberlake. "Chemisty in Our Lives."Basic chemistry. Fourth ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson, 2014. 4. Print.