Determine the Chemical Formula for Zinc Chloride Apparatus: Balance Graduated cylinder Evaporating dish Stirring rod

Bunsen burner Wire gauze Ring stand and ring

Chemicals: Granular zinc (0.4 - 0.5 grams) 6 M HCl (density = 1.098gm/ml) Elemental zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid in the following manner: Zn (s) + 2 HCl ZnCl2 (aq) + H2 (g) This type of reaction is referred to as a single displacement reaction. Zinc displaces hydrogen. The reaction is also an oxidation/reduction reaction. In this reaction zinc loses 2 electrons (oxidation) to achieve an oxidation state of +2. Hydrogen gains an electron (reduction) to go from a +1 oxidation state to zero as elemental hydrogen. Your task is to experimentally determine the empirical formula for zinc chloride. Procedure: 1- Determine what measurements are required 2- After massing your zinc, determine how much HCl is required 3- Carry out the reaction in the fume hood. Add HCl if zinc remains unreacted. 4- Carefully heat the evaporating dish to remove excess HCl. 5- When your zinc chloride becomes white and pasty, stop heating. Place a piece of foil over the dish while it is cooling. ZnCl2 is very deliquescent. When the dish has cooled to about room temperature, remove the foil and mass. 6- After massing, carefully reheat the sample for roughly a minute. ZnCl2 sublimes very easily so the reheat should be short and gentle. Mass the sample. If the 2 readings are plus/minus .02 grams, you are finished. If not, reheat again. EYE PROTECTION MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES !! IF IT IS NOT, YOU WILL RECEIVE A 5 POINT PENALTY ON YOUR GRADE Questions: 1- How would the empirical formula be affected if your solution spattered? 2- How would the empirical formula be affected if you failed to heat to a constant mass? 3- How would the empirical formula be affected if the compound sublimed? 4- How would the empirical formula be affected if the zinc contained an inert impurity? Lab Book Write-up:1- Title 2- Data table 3- All pertinent calculations including % error 4- Good analytic answers to the questions Do not forget to complete the table of contents and number your pages.