B5: Observing and Questioning Lab Activity

In a Chemistry lab, many things will be happening as you perform laboratory experiments. As you
perform this lab and all others, you will probably wonder why certain things happened and what made
them happen. These are good questions and should be ones you ask yourself during experiments.

In this lab, you will be expected to observe and ask questions. As you perform the different steps in the
lab, be sure to read carefully, write down your observations and any questions that come to mind.

Objectives:
In this experiment, you will:
a) observe changes in matter
b) Write questions about your samples

Equipment:
Goggles, gloves, and apron Unknown Substances
2 Beakers (100 or 150 ml)
Spatula
2 Stirring rods
Graduated cylinder (50 or 100 ml)

Procedure: 7. Measure 25 ml of the liquid labeled “Z” and

Start a table for recording your observations.
Record at least one observation for each step in the
following procedure.
1. Obtain 2.00 g of the crystals labeled “X” and
place them in a dry, clean 100 or 150 ml beaker.
2. Measure 25 ml of liquid “Y” using a graduated
cylinder.
3. Add the 25 ml of liquid “Y” to the beaker
containing the crystals “X”. Do not stir. Observe
for about three minutes. CAUTION: These
crystals are poisonous; avoid contact and rinse
spills with plenty of water.
4. Stir the crystals and liquid until the crystals
dissolve completely.
5. Obtain a piece of metal foil approximately 2 cm
by 2 cm.
6. LOOSELY crumple the foil and place it in the
beaker with the dissolved crystals. If the foil
floats, attempt to hold it down with the stirring
rod. After the reaction is complete, discard the
contents of the beaker in the waste container in the
hood.
pour it into a clean 100 or 150 ml beaker.
8. Obtain another piece of foil as in step 5,
crumple it LOOSELY and place it in the beaker.
The reaction starts slowly. You must be patient
and wait for completion of the reaction.
CAUTION: Liquid “Z” burns skin and can injure
your eyes. Avoid contacting liquid “Z”. Call the
instructor and immediately flush with H2O upon
contact. Do not place your face over the beaker or
breathe in any of the fumes!
Items for Lab Report
1. Prepare and complete a data table with the
observations for each step in the lab. EVERY step
must have at least one observation.
2. Write a list of ten questions (more if you want)
you would like answered about what happened in
the experiment. (Lab Questions section)
3. Answer as many of the questions you wrote
with your best possible guess. (Lab Questions
section)
4.) Describe some of the most notable barriers to
you answering the questions you wrote.
(Conclusions section in the Summary part and/or
the Error Analysis part.)