Experiment 14 – Ozone Formation (Chemistry of the Atmosphere)

Introduction

Ozone (O3) is a relatively unstable molecule made up of three atoms of

oxygen (O). Although it represents only a tiny fraction of the atmosphere, it prevents
damaging ultraviolet light reaching the Earth's surface. Closer to Earth (ground level)
ozone is an air pollutant with harmful effects on lung functioning and plants.

Objectives
To be able to produce ozone in the laboratory.

Materials
Concentrated Sulfuric Acid Test tubes
Starch Solution Beaker
Potassium Iodide Ice
Lead Cork
Copper Wire Battery
Straw

Set-up:

Procedure
1. Prepare 2 test tubes, label test tube #1 and # 2.
2. Place 1ml of 3M H2SO4 in test tube #1, while in test tube #2, place 2ml starch
solution and 3ml KI. Shake to completely dissolve the solutions mixed.
3. Punch the cork to form a hole, then insert the straw to make a bridge between test
tube #1 and #2.
4. Wrap 2 leads on the end portion of the copper wire, and then insert the other end
of the copper wire to the positive charge of the 9 – volt battery.
5. Place the copper wire with the lead attached into test tube #1 without touching
each other. The test tube should be placed in the ice bath to prevent explosion.
Cover both of the test tube with the cork to prevent loss of oxygen.
6. Observe the ozone formed.

Data and Results

Conclusion

Guide Questions

1. How did you detect the presence of ozone in the experiment?

2. Give the reaction involved between the ozone and potassium iodide solution

3. Give the chemical composition of the different layers of the atmosphere. At which
layer is ozone present?

4. How is the ozone layer damaged? Show necessary chemical reaction.

5. How will you contribute to the protection of the ozone layer?

6. Give some industrial uses of ozone