Experiment Number 8

 

Determination of an Unknown Carbonate from Carbon Dioxide Gas Evolved

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

In this experiment we will treat a carbonate with an acid.  In this case we will use hydrochloric acid.  Most of you are probably familiar with this type of reaction since the reaction of baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) produces carbon dioxide gas, sodium chloride and water.  We will use a gas collection apparatus to collect the gas and quantify the reaction.  The advantage of using this reaction is that we can quantify one of the reactants, ie. the carbonate and then separate one of the products, the carbon dioxide, from the reactants and the other products.  You will be given two different divalent carbonates with which to work.

 

Purpose:  The purpose of this experiment is to measure as accurately as possible the carbon dioxide produced when the unknown carbonate is reacted with excess hydrochloric acid and then use this information to identift the unknown divalent carbonates (substance A & B)

 

Hypothesis:  You will need to predict what the relationship what effect a change in volume or temperature will have on the pressure of a gas.

 

Background:  .

 

Include a paragraph or two on the use of carbonates.

 

 

 

 

Materials & Methods

 

Materials:       Unknown carbonate and 2M hydrochloric acid

 

Equipment:   

 

Pneumatic trough                                          125 mL flask or 25 x 200 mm

Thermometer                                     600 mL beaker

One hole rubber stopper                              Rubber/plastic tubing

250 mL graduate cylinder

 

Safety:

 

2M hydrochloric acid is considered concentrated acid.  Goggles should be worn and if acid comes in contact with eyes the eys should be flushed immediately with water.  If acid comes in contact with skin or clothing the affected areas should be rinsed thoroughly.   

 

Pre-Lab Procedure

 

1.         Examine the lab procedure and prepare a flow chart for how you expect to conduct the exercise.

 

2.         Familiarize yourself with the gas laws.

 

Procedure:

 

1.         Set up the gas collection apparatus as described by your instructor.

 

2.         Perform the gas collection sufficient number of times to ensure reproducible  and as accurate results as possible.

 

 

 

 

Results & Conclusion

 

Results:

 

Prepare a table of your data.  Show your calculation and be sure to correct for the partial pressure of water vapor.  Clearly state your identification of the unknown metals

 

 

Discussion/Conclusions:

 

In your discussion/conclusion section of your report discuss specifically how the results especially how reproducible your data is and its implication for the correct identification of the unknowns.  Be sure to discuss potential sources of error in your experiment and how the experiment might be improved or modified to obtain better results.

 

 

 

 

Questions

 

1.         What other gases are present in the graduated cylinder.  Will they affect the over all result?

 

2.         A 27.7 mL sample of carbon dioxide is collected over water at 25.0°C and 780 torr?  What is the pressure due to the carbon dioxide?

 

3.         Describe as means by which a gas could be collected without having to adjust for the water vapor involved in collecting gas over water.

 

4.         What device specifically uses the reaction of baking soda with an acid?

 

5.         Describe a process that you could use to estimate absolute zero?