A summary of the concepts: The purpose of this lab is to better understand “stoichiometry”. We will be reacting sodium carbonate (NaHCO)3 and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) with hydrochloric acid to produce sodium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide. The balanced chemical reaction looks like this:
NaHCO3 + HCl = NaCl + H2O + CO2
CAUTION: Be especially careful when handling the 6M HCl (aq), as it can cause chemical burns to the skin. If any acid spills on you, rinse immediately under running water for up to 15 minutes and report the accident to your instructor. Acid spills may also be neutralized using the sodium bicarbonate solution by the sinks. Also, be sure to exercise appropriate caution when using the Bunsen burner and handling hot equipment.
Materials and Equipment:
Solid sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), solid sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), 6M hydrochloric acid (HCl), electronic balance, evaporating dish, watch glass (to fit as a cover for the evaporating dish), stand and ring clamp, wire gauze, dropper pipette, small beaker, and Bunsen burner.
Experimental Procedure:
1. Measure and record the mass of your clean dry evaporating dish + watch glass (assembled together with the watch glass acting as a cover on top of the evaporating dish).
2. Carefully add 0.3 – 0.4 g of solid sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) to the evaporating dish. Do not do this over the balance! Then measure and record the mass of the evaporating dish + watch glass + NaHCO3.
3. Obtain about a 5-mL quantity of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in your small beaker. Then using your dropper pipette, add the HCl drop by drop to the sodium bicarbonate in the evaporating dish. The reaction will be evident by the bubbling that takes place. Gently mix the reactants after every 4-5 drops of HCl. Continue adding HCl until the bubbling stops and