Science 10: Acids and Bases Lab

Wed Oct 2 – LAB DAY Tue Oct 8 – REPORT DUE

- Pre-Lab Work check - Lab Report due
- Pre-Lab Quiz - Lab Quiz
- Perform the Lab

Problem: What are some of the properties of acids, bases and neutral substances?

Background: Answer the following questions before coming to the lab:

1. What is the Arrhenius definition of an acid? Identify the acids in this lab.
2. What is the Arrhenius definition of a base? Identify the bases in this lab.
3. How do you predict which substances are neutral? Which substances do you predict to be
neutral?
4. What is an indicator? When would you use the different indicators?
5. What are the textures of acids? bases? neutrals?

Materials: Research the WHMIS symbols for any chemicals before coming to the lab. Which chemicals
are dangerous, and why?

Chemical Samples: Lab Equipment:

hydrochloric acid (0.01M) spot plate
potassium nitrate (0.01M) eye dropper
hydrogen peroxide forceps
sodium hydroxide (0.01M)
sulfuric acid (0.01M) Test Materials:
barium hydroxide conductivity tester
glucose litmus paper (red and blue)
potassium hydroxide pH paper
sodium chloride phenolphthalein
methanol bromothymol blue
magnesium metal

Procedure: Using the Procedure checklist, write a step-by-step procedure to describe:

- how to test the conductivity of the solutions

- how to test the reaction with magnesium metal
- how to test the effect of i) red litmus paper, ii) blue litmus paper
- how to test the effect on pH paper
- how to test the solution when combined with i) phenolphthalein and ii) BTB indicators

Observations: Construct an appropriate table to record your observations from the 7 different tests on
the 10 solutions. Provide space for extra solutions and “other qualitative observations.”
Analysis: Answer the following questions, based on your observations in the lab.

1. State the assumptions involved in this lab. Include those involving the samples, materials,
equipment, and indicators.
2. Construct an analysis table to interpret your results. It is up to you to determine how to
interpret the results from your tests in your analysis section. Use the textbook and any other
references you find necessary to do so. Make sure to include any references at the end of your
lab.
3. From the results of this lab, describe the general empirical properties of acids, bases and neutral
substances. Empirical properties are those derived by means of direct observation or
experiment.

Expansion Questions: Answer the following questions, based on your knowledge.

1. Give an example of a base that does not contain a hydroxide ion.

2. Why do we not dispose of the waste materials (liquid and solid) down the sink? What happens
to chemicals after they get washed down the drain?
3. Name two household substances that are: a) acidic
b) basic
c) neutral
4. Did all the substances conduct electricity? Which types of substances do, and why? Which ones
don’t, and why?
5. Why do you need to test with both red and blue litmus paper in order to identify substances as
being acids, bases or neutral?
6. What is the difference between litmus paper and pH paper?

Include any references used.

 Acids and Bases Lab – Checklist

CURRICULAR OUTCOME CRITERIA MARK

Problem Statement is stated correctly /1
Initiating & Planning (5 marks)
Background Questions 1-5 are answered correctly /1
The Pre-Lab work is completed Materials list includes safety notes /1
before the lab and correct
Procedure allows for proper completion of the lab /1
Observation Table is set up /1
Performing & Recording (14 marks)
Observation Table is filled in with realistic
The observations are reflective of
observations /1
what students saw in the lab
STEWARDSHIP (2 marks) Lab materials are responsibly handled /1
The student was responsible
with lab materials and The student’s lab space is responsibly cleaned /1
cleaned up effectively.
SAFETY (11 marks) Pre-Lab Quiz Score /10
The student came prepared
and followed safety Safety protocols were followed during the lab /1
protocols.
Analyzing & Interpreting (23
marks) Analysis questions are complete and correct (1
The student thoughtfully analyzed mark for Question 1, 3 marks for Question 2, 3 /7
and interpreted the data collected marks for Question 3)
in the lab.
KNOWLEDGE (16 marks) Extension Questions are complete and correct (1
The student demonstrates mark each) /6
understanding of the
properties of acids, bases, Lab Quiz Score /10
and neutral substances.
Communicating (2 marks) Scientific Language is used (ex. no pronouns, no
“proved”) /1
The lab report followed scientific
convention. Tables and figures are formatted correctly /1

TOTAL /44
Lab Highlight:

#1 Thing to Work On: