Gravimetric Analysis: Identification of a Chloride Compound

Modified by Winscience.net
Pre-Lab Discussion
Gravimetric analysis is the term for the technique that allows l chemists to identify
unknowns by measuring mass. The simplest type of gravimetric analysis involves the
formation and collection of a precipitate. In this process, a soluble sample of an
unknown compound is mixed with another solution that will cause one of the ions from
the unknown sample to full precipitate out. If the identity of the precipitate is known (by
writing the net ionic equation), we can find the moles (then, mass) of the ion in the
unknown. From the mass, we can determine the mass percent composition of ion in a
compound using percent calculation by comparing it to the mass of the given sample.
Lastly, we will compare it to the mass percent composition of given possible unknowns
(using the molar masses from the periodic table).
In this lab, we are going to react silver nitrate with an unknown chloride compound. By
collecting and massing the silver chloride precipitate, we can calculate the amount of
chloride ion present. We can then use this information to determine the percentage of
chlorine in the original unknown. This will help us to identify the unknown.
Write the Net Ionic Equation for reaction described above. Using M for the metal in the
Unknown chloride.

Objective
The objective of this lab is to identify an unknown chloride compound using gravimetric
analysis.
Procedure (Copy and Draw a detailed flowchart for each step. Also, sketch the
filtration process on the next page)
1. Obtain roughly 0.5 g of an unknown chloride compound. Be sure to record which
unknown you took.
2. Dissolve the unknown in 10 mL of distilled water. Make sure it is completely
dissolved before proceeding to the next step. You may add more water if needed to
make it dissolve. Acidify the solution with 1 mL of HNO3.
3. Pour 10 mL of 1.0 M silver nitrate solution into the unknown sample.
4. Digest the precipitate by bringing the solution to a boil, then allowing it to cool.
5. Mass a piece of filter paper. Pour the solution through the filter paper, making sure
that all the precipitate is collected by the paper. Wash the precipitate with small
amounts of distilled water.

Gravimetric Analysis: Identification of a Chloride Compound

Modified by Winscience.net
6. Allow the precipitate to dry, then find its mass (It takes about 2 days to dry)