Chemistry Planning and Designing SBA

Wolmer’s Boys’ School

Experiment #5

Date: May 17, 2021

Title: Metals

Problem: Two students, finding an old rusty iron coin, were arguing about the conditions that
caused the coin to rust. One student argued that it was caused by air while the other argued
that it was rain. Plan and design an experiment to settle their argument about the conditions
necessary for rusting

Hypothesis: The coin rusts due to exposure to air

Aim: to determine whether air or water causes the rusting

Apparatus: Iron coins, oil, Test tubes, test tube rack, electronic balance, distilled water

Method:
1. Weigh three iron coins using an electronic balance and record the weights.
2. Place the three iron coins into separate test tubes.
3. Label the test tubes A, B, and C.
4. Pour the distilled water into test tube A, up to halfway.
5. Pour the distilled water into test tube B then place 2 mm of oil into the test tube to block
air.
6. Cork all the test tubes containing the coins.
7. Wait a period of seven days and observe.
8. Remove the iron coins from the test tube after the seven days.
9. Proceed to record the weight of the coins and compare to the previously recorded weight
10. Record the data.

Variables:

Manipulated variable - air, distilled water

Responding variable – rust being formed

Controlled variable - time given for effect to occur, iron coin, initial weight

Data:
Test Tube Initial Weight Final weight

Expected Results: It is expected that test tube C will have the highest final weight.

Interpretation of results: If the test tube in which the iron coin was exposed to air only has the
highest final weight, then the hypothesis will be true

If the test tube in which the iron coin was exposed both air and water has the highest final
weight, then the hypothesis will be false

Assumptions/limitation/sources of error/precautions:

electronic balance may not have been calibrated properly

Nails may have impurities

Ensure test tubes are covered properly

Ensure test tubes are cleaned and free of contaminations

Assume that adequate time was given