Experiment 5: The Determination of Relative Atomic Mass of

Magnesium
Introduction
In this experiment magnesium ribbon reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen
gas, which is collected in a burette. The measured volume of gas produced and mass of
magnesium are used to calculate the mass of magnesium that would be needed to produce one
mole of hydrogen molecules, and hence deduce the relative atomic mass of magnesium.

Apparatus/Reagents
Burette, retort stand, beaker, Hydrochloric acid, Magnesium ribbon

Procedure

Part I: Preparation of 0.6 M HCl from stock solution

1. Calculate the volume of 1.0 M HCl needed to prepare 0.6 M HCl in 100 mL volumetric
flask.
2. Pipette the required volume of 1.0 M HCl into 100 mL volumetric flask.
3. Add a small portion of distilled water and swirl the volumetric flask.
4. Top up distill water to the mark.

Part II: Determination of Relative Atomic Mass of Magnesium

1．Add 150.0 mL of water to a 250.0 mL beaker

2．Clean a piece of magnesium ribbon (about 2.5 cm long) and weigh it accurately. Record
the weight.
3．Measure 25.0 mL of dilute hydrochloric acid (0.6 M) into the burette. Gradually add 25.0
mL of water on top of hydrochloric acid.
4．Push the magnesium in the end of the burette so it stays in position with its own tension.
5．Quickly invert the burette into the water, (if this is done quickly and carefully very little
will be lost).
6．Clamp the burette vertically
7．Take a burette reading
8．Observe how the magnesium reacts as the acid diffuses downwards, wait until all the
magnesium has reacted.
9．Note the new volume on the burette. Record your results.
Questions

1. Write the equation reaction between Magnesium and Hydrochloric Acid.

2. Discuss the correct method to dilute concentrated acid
3. Based on equation reaction between Mg and HCl and Ideal Gas Law, calculate the no of
moles of Mg and Atomic Weight of Magnesium?

Data Sheet

Mass of Magnesium (g)

Initial water level (mL)
Final water level (mL)
Temperature of water bath (℃)
Vapor pressure of water (mmHg)
Pressure of hydrogen gas (mmHg)
The number of moles of hydrogen gas
The number of moles of Magnesium
Relative atomic Mass of Mg (g/mol)
The percent error %