We did the Types of Reactions Lab Activity to discover the characteristics of different types of reactions. There are a large variety of chemical reactions that are happening around us all the time. By classifying these reactions it helps us to make sense of them and enables us to predict certain types of products. This activity I did can help to better understand and gives the opportunity to learn and apply one classification scheme.
Bunsen Burner- Used in several of the reaction's in the lab.
Ammonia the nastiest smelling substance I believe that is out there! (Besides a dead skunk being run over by a dump truck!) :)
We did the Types of Reactions Lab Activity to discover the characteristics of different types of reactions. There are a large variety of chemical reactions that are happening around us all the time. By classifying these reactions it helps us to make sense of them and enables us to predict certain types of products. This activity I did can help to better understand and gives the opportunity to learn and apply one classification scheme.
Reaction #1 In the first reaction we took a test tube and filled it half full with Hydrochloric Acid, then put it in a rack and then put a strip of magnesium metal in the tube and had my partner hold the second test tube in an inverted position over the tube containing the acid and magnesium. We held the position until the chemical reaction was over. We then lit a match and tested the remaining gas in the test tube. We recorded observations of the reaction of a popping sound once we lit the match which then created the gas H2. Magnesium + Hydrochloric Acid --> Magnesium Chloride & Hydrogen 2HCL +Mg --> H2 +MCl2 Single Replacement
In reaction two we lit a Bunsen burner and took a pair of tongs and held a small strip of magnesium over the flame. Let's just say you shouldn't stare straight into the light. The magnesium turned into a bright flare like light. And if you stared long enough like I did your vision is blurry for around five minutes and then it's all good. After it all burned out I placed the ashy product on a watch glass. Reaction #2 Magnesium + Oxygen --> Magnesium Oxide Mg +O2 --> MgO 2Mg + O2 --> 2MgO Synthesis
I would have to say that the fourth part of the lab was the worst one. Once I explain you will soon understand. In this reaction we took a small amount of ammonium carbonate into a test tube and then heated the bottom of the tube we were then told to waft the gas coming out of it. No, not a good idea. Do you know what ammonia is? It is a colorless gas with a charachteristic pungent smell. Cat litter that hasn't been changed in weeks will come into mind when you do this chemical reaction. Not one of the best labs I have done. Reaction #4 Ammonium Carbonate + Heat --> BBQ Smell/ Cat Litter/Ammonia (NH4) 2CO3 Heat --> 2NH3 + CO2 + H2O Decomposition
Reaction #6 Potassium Iodide + Lead (II) Nitrate --> Lead (II) Iodide + Potassium Nitrate KI + Pb (NO3) --> Pb2 + KNO32 Double Replacement
Reaction #7 Copper (II) Carbonate + Heat --> Carbon Dioxide + Copper (II) Oxide CuCO2 --> Co2 +CuO Decomposition
Gases Produced -smothered fire -CO2 -explosion/popping sound -H2 -reignite/light -O2
Overall I really enjoyed this lab because there were 7 diverse types of Chemical Reactions to choose from. My favorite lab was where we heated the bottom of the test tube and created the ammonia smell. I loved this one but hated it at the same time, because I have a new found respect for the smell of ammonia. Next time I have to do a lab with ammonia I will waft it and not straight up smell it