Experiment #3 / Unit 4

Single and Double Replacement Reactions

Introduction:
We have already discussed that in order for single replacement reactions
to occur, the metal added must be more "active" than the metal ion in solution.
Double replacement reactions only take place if one of the following are formed:
a gas, new water molecules, or a precipitate. If both products are aqueous then
no chemical change has occurred (“N.R.”). In this experiment, we will carry out a
number of single and double replacement reactions and observe any new
substances produced by a chemical change.

Procedure/Data/Questions:

Note: Write total molecular equations first to predict what you should see.
Should you see bubbles, a precipitate, nothing, etc.? Before you mix the
reactants, think about the atoms, ions, or molecules present and what is going to
happen to them. Do the symbols in your equation accurately describe what you
are seeing? The more you actively think about reactions the easier it will be to
understand and write chemical equations. If you predict that a flammable gas
should be produced then you can do a flammability test. Precipitates can be
tested by spinning them down in the centrifuge. I want to check off your total
molecular equations before you mix.

I. Single Replacement Reactions

1. Zinc and Copper (II) Sulfate
Obtain a test tube. Place a small amount of 1.0 M CuSO 4 solution into
the tube and add a piece of Zn. Observe for several minutes. Solutions
containing Cu2+ ions are normally blue in color.
a. Record observations.
b. Write both total molecular and net ionic equations for this reaction.
c. Explain why the solution got lighter in color. Include both metals in your
explanation.

2. Aluminum and Copper (II) Chloride

Place a small, tightly crumpled piece of Al foil into a clean test tube and add a
small amount of CuCl2 solution. There are actually two reactions taking place.
If you light a splint, a third reaction will occur. The lit splint will initiate a fourth
reaction.
a. Record observations.
b. Write both total molecular and net ionic equations for the main reaction.
c. Write the total molecular equation for the second reaction.
d. What gas is produced while the first two reactions are taking place? Which
reaction produces this gas?
e. What can you conclude about the activity of the 2 metals involved in this reaction?
f. Identify the reaction types for the 3 rd (lighting the splint) and 4th (exposing lit splint to
gaseous product) reactions.

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3. Magnesium and Sulfuric Acid
Place a small piece of Mg into a clean test tube and add a small amount
of 1.0 M H2SO4 solution.
a. Record observations.
b. Write both total molecular and net ionic equations for this reaction.
c. What substances are leftover in the solution after the reaction?
Hint: discuss in terms of ions, and don’t forget the most abundant substance
present!

II. Double Replacement Reactions

4. Iron (III) chloride and Sodium Carbonate
Mix several drops of FeCl3 and 0.1 M Na2CO3 solutions in a well of the well plate.
a. Record observations.
b. Write both total molecular and net ionic equations for this reaction.
c. Explain what happened to the two ions that did not form a precipitate.

5. Copper (II) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide

Mix several drops of Cu2Cl2 and NaOH solutions in a well of the well plate.
Centrifuge the reaction to separate the products
a. Record observations.
b. Write both total molecular and net ionic equations for this reaction.
c. Research “supernatant”. What substances does the supernatant of this
reaction contain?
d. What is the color of the supernatant? The precipitate?

6. Potassium Iodide and Lead (II) Nitrate

Mix several drops of KI and Pb(NO3)2 solutions in a well of the well plate.
a. Record observations.
b. Write both total molecular and net ionic equations for this reaction.
c. What is the chemical formula and color of the precipitate?

7. Sodium Chloride and Potassium Nitrate

Mix several drops of NaCl and KNO3 solutions in a well of the well plate.
a. Record observations.
b. Write both total molecular and net ionic equations.
c. Explain what is taking place in the test tube after the solutions were mixed.

8. Sodium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid

Mix small amounts of 0.10 M NaOH and 0.10 M HCl solutions in a clean test tube.
a. Record observations.
b. Write both total molecular and net ionic equations.
c. Did a reaction occur? Why were you unable to see it?

Lab Report #4.3:

 title page
 procedure sheet
 observations (in complete sentences), equations, and questions (in complete
sentences) grouped together for each reaction in order #1-8.
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