Unknown Metal Reaction

In this experiment, we examine the reaction between the unknown metal (which is Magnesium, Aluminum, Tin, or Zinc) and hydrochloric acid. When heats strongly, the metal reacts readily with hydrochloric acid and oxygen in the air. After it forms new compound (residue) and cools down, we measure the mass of the compound (MgCl2, AlCl2, SnCl2, ZnCl2) that is formed. This will allow you to calculate the mass of chlorine that reacted as well as the mass ratio between the metal and chlorine.
In this experiment, we use the unknown metal (which is Magnesium, Aluminum, Tin, or Zinc) to react with hydrochloric acid. Base on the mass of the unknown metal and the mass of residue to figure out what element is the unknown metal. By using stoichiometry, the
expected mass of the compound (residue) formed after magnesium or aluminum or tin or zinc reacted with measured amount hydrochloric acid can be calculated. We can compare the experimental mass of the residue to the accepted value to determine which metal was used to react. Then, we can use empirical formula to determine the relative weight of the different elements in a compound and the relative number of atoms (or moles of atoms) in a given mass of the compound. We can use this information to identify unknown compound as well as which reaction has taken place.