Determining The Formula Of Magnesium Oxide (Chemistry HL Lab 1)
1. Introduction
In this lab we will be investigating the empirical formula of Magnesium
Oxide. We do so by reacting a specific amount of magnesium ribbon with
oxygen, making sure to add a consistent amount of heat (activation
energy) for the reaction to occur. When we see a bright light, we stop
adding the heat. This means that the reactants have reacted. We then
measure the final mass of magnesium oxide that has been produced.
Through that we can calculate both the empirical and molecular formula
of the substance, by finding the ratio of magnesium to oxygen. Since we
will be carrying out three trials, we are able to come up with an average
at the end. Additionally, our results will be more accurate and reliable.
The Empirical Formula is the simple whole number ratio of atoms of each
element in a particle of the substance.
Magnesium Oxide is a white ionic compound with ions Mg 2+ and O 2-
held together in a regular ionic lattice. It is a solid that is chemically and
physically very stable at high temperatures. Its medicinal uses include the
neutralization of excess stomach acid for heartburn relief, since
Magnesium Oxide is a strong alkali.
2. Variables
Our independent variable in this investigation is the magnesium ribbon.
We will be using three, each with a length of 10cm (even though this can
very slightly vary due to systematic error).
Our dependent variable is the mass of Magnesium Oxide produced at the
end.
, Our controlled variables are the temperature, mass of the crucible and
cover, and length of magnesium ribbons.
3. Methodology
Materials
• 10 cm of Magnesium Ribbon
(3 pieces)
• Emery paper
• Pencil
• Crucible and lid
• Hot plate
• Tweezers
• Digital balance
• Gloves
• Heat resistant glove
• Safety goggles
• Lab coat
Procedure
A. Cut 10 cm of magnesium ribbon three times.
B. Clean with emery paper by rubbing magnesium ribbon against it. Stop
when at least most of the magnesium is silver-colored. This will help
remove impurities from the magnesium, thus making the results more
reliable.
C. Wind the magnesium ribbon round a pencil to make it into a coil.
Make sure the coil is small enough to fit inside the crucible.
D. Weigh the empty crucible and lid.
E. Weigh the crucible with the magnesium ribbon inside it.
F. Heat the hot plate to 350 degrees Celsius.
1. Introduction
In this lab we will be investigating the empirical formula of Magnesium
Oxide. We do so by reacting a specific amount of magnesium ribbon with
oxygen, making sure to add a consistent amount of heat (activation
energy) for the reaction to occur. When we see a bright light, we stop
adding the heat. This means that the reactants have reacted. We then
measure the final mass of magnesium oxide that has been produced.
Through that we can calculate both the empirical and molecular formula
of the substance, by finding the ratio of magnesium to oxygen. Since we
will be carrying out three trials, we are able to come up with an average
at the end. Additionally, our results will be more accurate and reliable.
The Empirical Formula is the simple whole number ratio of atoms of each
element in a particle of the substance.
Magnesium Oxide is a white ionic compound with ions Mg 2+ and O 2-
held together in a regular ionic lattice. It is a solid that is chemically and
physically very stable at high temperatures. Its medicinal uses include the
neutralization of excess stomach acid for heartburn relief, since
Magnesium Oxide is a strong alkali.
2. Variables
Our independent variable in this investigation is the magnesium ribbon.
We will be using three, each with a length of 10cm (even though this can
very slightly vary due to systematic error).
Our dependent variable is the mass of Magnesium Oxide produced at the
end.
, Our controlled variables are the temperature, mass of the crucible and
cover, and length of magnesium ribbons.
3. Methodology
Materials
• 10 cm of Magnesium Ribbon
(3 pieces)
• Emery paper
• Pencil
• Crucible and lid
• Hot plate
• Tweezers
• Digital balance
• Gloves
• Heat resistant glove
• Safety goggles
• Lab coat
Procedure
A. Cut 10 cm of magnesium ribbon three times.
B. Clean with emery paper by rubbing magnesium ribbon against it. Stop
when at least most of the magnesium is silver-colored. This will help
remove impurities from the magnesium, thus making the results more
reliable.
C. Wind the magnesium ribbon round a pencil to make it into a coil.
Make sure the coil is small enough to fit inside the crucible.
D. Weigh the empty crucible and lid.
E. Weigh the crucible with the magnesium ribbon inside it.
F. Heat the hot plate to 350 degrees Celsius.
