Name: Abdelkebir Labyad

Course: CHM 201-B1

Prof. K. Stieglitz
06/21/2018
Laboratory 3: Empirical Formula of an Oxide
Purpose:
The purpose behind this lab was to determine the empirical formula and to calculate the percent
composition of magnesium oxide. The students were able to apply their knowledge of
stoichiometry, molar mass and elements’ ratios to calculate the yield of a chemical reaction in
moles and in grams.
Background:
The lab was started separate elements and then we will create a compound. Using the mass of the
elements that we begin with and the mass of the final product, we will be able to determine the
empirical formula of the compound, magnesium oxide. The percent composition and empirical
formula of magnesium oxide (the main compound that is formed when magnesium metal
combines with oxygen in air) will be determined. Heating magnesium in the presence of air
causes the metal to ignite and burn- lots of light and results in a new compound. According to the
law of conservation of mass, the total mass of the products of a chemical reaction must equal the
mass of the reactants. In the case of the combustion of magnesium, the following equation must
be true:
Mass of magnesium + Mass of oxygen = Mass of magnesium oxide
In both the initial mass of magnesium and the final mass of the magnesium oxide is measured,
the increase in mass must correspond to the mass of the oxygen that combined with
magnesium. The percent composition and empirical formula of magnesium oxide can then be
calculated, based on the combining ratios of magnesium and oxygen in the reaction.
Materials:
 Safety goggles
 Crucible
 Crucible lid
 Clay triangle
 Ring stand
 Ring support
 Crucible tongs
 Gas burner
 Centigram balance
 Magnesium ribbon, (Mg)
Procedure:
Obtain crucible and make sure it is thoroughly clean before weighing it. Place the crucible in the
clay triangle about the flames of gas burner. Heat both the crucible and the lid for about 3-4
minutes then take it off the flame and allow it to cool down then re-weigh it and record the mass.
Repeat this step again and then calculate the average of the two values that are within 2mg and
record the value. Weigh out a strip of magnesium ribbon that is between 0.2-0.3 grams and allow
it to be exposed to air on both sides. Obtain the mass of the crucible with the strip of magnesium.
Place the crucible containing the magnesium within the clay triangle over the flames and move
the burner back and forth for about 2-3 minutes. Lift the lid of the crucible; note the magnesium
color of amber after a few seconds of the lid being off magnesium gives off a white bright flash.
Place the crucible lid back on the crucible and remove from heat for about 3-5 minutes. Place the
crucible back on the heat allowing it to heat until there’s a glow detected and there’s no metallic
luster left only a white or grey powder. Then allow the crucible to cool for 3-5 minutes then add
a few drops of distilled water and you should be able to notice the slight smell of ammonia. Place
the crucible back on the flame with the lid slightly open so the water and smell of ammonia can
escape while the magnesium dry’s slowly for about 10 minutes. Then take it off the heat and
allow to cool for 3-5 minutes and then measure the mass. Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes ad
allow it to cool and then measure the mass.
Results and Calculations:
Mass of empty crucible Trial 1) 38.2335g
(multiple 1.3-1.4) Trial 2) 38.2338g
Mass of crucible containing Mg 38.4685g
(gross weight Mg only 1.7)
Mass of crucible containing Oxide Trail 1) 38.5774g
(multiple trials 2.6-2.8) Trail 2) 38.5782g

Average Mass of empty crucible (38.2335g + 38.2338g)/2 = 38.2337g

Mass of crucible containing Mg “gross 38.4685g
weight”
Average Mass of crucible containing Oxide (38.5774g+38.5782)/2 = 38.5778g
“gross weight”
Mass of Mg “net mass” 38.4685g-38.2337g = 0.235g
Moles of Mg 0.235g Mg * 1 mole Mg/24.31g Mg =
0.00996 moles.
Mass of oxide formed “net weight” (38.5778g-38.2337g) = 0.3441g
Mass of oxygen present in oxide 0.3441g-0.235g = 0.1091 g
Moles of oxygen present in oxide 0.1091g O * 1 mole O/16g O =0.00682 moles
Molar ratio of Mg to O 1:1
Empirical Formula of oxide 1Mg(s) + 1 O2 (g)  MgO

Mass of oxide= Average mass of empty crucible +Average mass of crucible containing Oxide
Mass of oxygen = Oxide – Magnesium
Average mass = Trial 1 result + Trial 2 result/2
Results:
After performing all the necessary steps to obtain magnesium oxide, using all the recorded
measurements to calculate the moles of magnesium, the moles of oxygen, and the ration of
magnesium to oxygen and if this ration is not 1:1 then explain that the measurements are off. The
ratio was off in our calculations because during the process of turning magnesium into
magnesium oxide when the lid was lifted off the crucible for 2-3 minutes allowing some of the
magnesium to become airborne.
Data Analysis and Discussion:
During the experiment the crucible was knocked off the clay triangle and a portion of the
magnesium was lost when the lid was taken off to view the status of the magnesium causing it to
be airborne. Determining the empirical formula with the data obtained is still possible but will
not be as accurate. The percent error of gross weight of oxide is 0.03%. While the perfect error
of gross weight of oxide is 0.04%.