Station 1: Decomposition Reactions

Aim: To investigate the decomposition of copper (II) carbonate

Materials: copper (II) carbonate, Bunsen burner, test tube

RISK ASSESSMENT:
Copper (II) carbonate causes skin and eye irritation when in contact with skin and eyes
respectively. To avoid this risk, ensure gloves and safety goggles are worn when dealing
with this chemical.
Bunsen burner can cause burns or fire when in contact with skin or flammable material.
To prevent this risk, ensure to not touch an open flame and all hair or flammable material
is a safe distance away from flame.

Method:
1. Add a small amount of copper (II) carbonate into a test tube
2. Heat the test tube over a gentle Bunsen burner flame
3. Record results.

Results:

Discussion:
1. Write a word and chemical equation for this reaction.
Station 2: Combustion reactions
Aim: To investigate the effect of combustion on magnesium

Materials: magnesium ribbon, Bunsen burner, metal tongs

RISK ASSESSMENT

Bunsen burner can cause burns or fire when in contact with skin or flammable
material. To prevent this risk, ensure to not touch an open flame and all hair or
flammable material is a safe distance away from flame.

Procedure:

1. Heat a strip of magnesium in a Bunsen burner flame with some metal tongs
2. Record observations

Results:

Discussion:

1. Write the word and chemical equation for the above reaction.

2. How do you know a chemical reaction is taking place?

Station 3: Precipitation Reaction
Aim: To observe the effect when potassium iodide and lead (II) nitrate are mixed.

Materials: Potassium iodide, lead nitrate, test tube

RISK ASSESSMENT:

Lead (II) nitrate can cause serious damage when in contact with eyes. To prevent
eye damage, wear safety goggles when handling.
Potassium iodide can cause mild skin irritation when in contact with skin. To
prevent skin irritation, wear gloves when handling.
Test tubes can cut skin if glass is chipped. To avoid cuts and damage to skin,
ensure all glassware is in proper condition before use. If a breakage occurs,
inform the teacher immediately.

Procedure:

1. Add a few drops of potassium iodide into a test tube

2. Add a few drops of lead nitrate into the test tube
3. Record observations.

Results:

Discussion:

1. Write a word and balanced chemical equation for the above reaction.

2. What was the substance that was formed? Does it comply with the solubility
rules?
Station 4: Neutralisation Reaction
Aim: Investigate neutralisation reactions

Hypothesis:

Materials: Test tube (x2), dropper bottle, universal indicator, sodium hydroxide,
hydrochloric acid.

RISK ASSESSMENT:
Hydrochloric acid can cause skin irritation when in contact with skin; to prevent
this risk ensure gloves are worn when handling this chemical.

Procedure:
1. Add 3 drops of HCl into one test tube
2. Add 3 drops of NaOH into another test tube
3. Add 2 drops of universal indicator into each test tube. Record observations.
4. Pour the HCl into the test tube containing NaOH. Record observations.

Results:

Observation
Colour/pH of acid before reaction:

Colour/pH of base before reaction:

Colour/pH of solution after reaction:

Discussion:

1. Write a general word equation for a neutralisation reaction

2. Write a word and balanced chemical reaction for the above reaction

3. What was the purpose of the universal indicator?

Station 5: Acids on Carbonates
Aim: Observe the reaction of acids on carbonates

Hypothesis:

Materials: Calcium carbonate, hydrochloric acid, test tube, test tube rack

RISK ASSESSMENT:
Hydrochloric acid can cause skin irritation when in contact with skin; to prevent
this risk ensure gloves are worn when handling this chemical.

Method:
1. Add half a spatula of calcium carbonate to a test tube
2. Add enough hydrochloric acid to cover the calcium carbonate
3. Record observations

Results:

Discussion:
1. Write a general word equation for this reaction

2. Write a word and balanced chemical reaction for the above reaction

Conclusion:
How could you improve these experiments in terms of reliability and validity?

Which of these experiments could be considered a synthesis reaction? Why?