Experiment # 1

Laboratory Experiment: Differences between Organic and Inorganic Compounds

Objective: To observe the differences between organic and inorganic compounds

Apparatus and Materials:

 Ordinary frying pan
 1/2 teaspoon ordinary table salt (NOT IODIZED)
 1/2 teaspoon ordinary table sugar
 Gas burner or gas stove

Procedure:
A) Place 1/2 teaspoon of ordinary table salt on the frying pan. Heat gently at first, then
with the full force of the burner.  Was there a change in the appearance of the salt?
Remove from the flames and allowed to cool.
B) Perform the same procedure in A but this time, use 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
Was there a change in the appearance of sugar? Remove from the flames and allowed to
cool.
C) Compare the two materials.
D) Explain the difference in behavior between the two upon heating. 
Was there a change in the appearance of sugar? Remove from the flames and allowed to
cool.

Results and Observation

SALT:
There is no difference in terms of appearance after heating it on the low range up
to the full range of the fire; it maintained its crystal form.
SUGAR:
 On the other hand, the sugar started to melt when heated in a low range.
Consequently, it completely melted on the full range of the fire; from being solid, it
became liquid in form.

Conclusion
Therefore, sugar, an organic compound has a lower melting point, in comparison to salt,
which is an inorganic compound.

Answers to Questions
1) Which one easily decompose upon heating?
-Sugar
2) Why are most organic compounds non-conductors of electricity?
-Organic compounds are covalent in nature. Covalent bonds are non-conductors
electricity, since they do not have charged particles that are capable of transporting
electrons.

3) Explain this behavior (nonconductors) on the basis of the type of bonds formed in the
formation of organic compounds.
-Organic Compounds are naturally covalent due to the presence of carbon, the tetravalent
element which has a great propensity to form covalent bonds. Covalent bonds are formed
on the basis of sharing electrons. When the electrons are shared within the bonds, there is
no electrons available to conduct electricity.

Rubric for the Laboratory Report:

                

Criteria 5- Excellent 4- Very Good 3- Good 2- Fair

Neatness Assignment is in an Assignment is in an Assignment is in a Assignment is

orderly packet and is orderly packet with packet with several disorderly with
 incredibly neat, with
few ink smudges ink smudges many ink smudges
no ink smudges

Some of the Student did not turn

All of the assigned Most of the assigned
Completion assigned work is in completed
work is complete work is complete
complete assignment

Assignment was Assignment was

Assignment was one Assignment was
Timeliness received on the due three (3) or more
(1) day late two (2) days late
date days late

All of the answers Most of the answers Some of the Little to none of the
Accuracy
are correct are correct answers are correct answers are correct

Scientific Discussion is Discussion is Discussion is not Discussion is not

Discussions with thorough with 3 thorough with 2 thorough with 1 thorough with no
supporting  supporting  supporting  supporting  supporting
scientific studies scientific studies scientific studies scientific studies scientific studies