Chemistry Laboratory Manual – FB10054

EXPERIMENT 1: DETERMINATION OF THE FORMULA UNIT

OF A COMPOUND

Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

i. synthesis a zinc chloride compound; and
ii. determine the formula unit of zinc chloride.

Introduction

One of the main properties of a compound is its chemical composition which

can be identified by determining the elements present. A quantitative analysis
can be used to determine the composition of an unknown compound. Once
the composition of the compound is known, it’s formula unit can be
determined. For example, a compound containing 0.1 mol of silver and 0.1
mol of bromine will have a formula unit, AgBr.

In this experiment, a simple compound composed of zinc and chlorine will be

prepared. Once the mass of zinc and the mass of the compound are known,
the mass of chlorine can be determined. Using these masses, the percentage
composition of the compound can be calculated and the formula unit can be
deduced.

Apparatus Chemical Reagents

Hot plate 6 M HCl

Glass rod Zinc powder
White tile
Crucible tongs
50 mL crucible
Analytical balance
Measuring cylinder (10 mL)

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 Chemistry Laboratory Manual – FB10054

Procedure

1. Weigh the crucible and record the exact mass.

2. Place approximately 0.25 g of zinc powder into the crucible and

determine the exact mass of zinc powder.

3. Carefully add in 10 mL of 6 M HCl solution into the crucible containing

the zinc powder and stir gently with a glass rod. A vigorous chemical
reaction will occur and hydrogen gas will be released.

Carry out this step in a fume cupboard. Do not

CAUTION ! work near a fire source. Wet hydrogen gas can
cause explosions.

4. If the zinc powder does not dissolve completely, continue adding the
acid, 5 mL at a time until all zinc is dissolved. The amount of acid to be
used must not exceed 20 mL.

5. Place the crucible on a hot plate in the fume cupboard and heat the
content slowly so that the compound does not splatter during the heating
process.

6. Heat the compound gently until it is completely dry. Remove the

crucible from the hot plate immediately to avoid the compound from
melting.
(Precaution: Avoid from overheating)

7. Cover the crucible and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then weigh
the crucible and the compound. Record the mass.

8. Reheat the crucible to dry the compound. Let it cool to room temperature
and then weigh it again. Repeat the procedure until the difference in mass
does not exceed 0.02 g.

9. Determine the mass of zinc chloride from the final weight of the sample
(the smallest value). Calculate the mass of chlorine in the zinc chloride.

10. Determine the formula unit of zinc chloride.

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 Chemistry Laboratory Manual – FB10054

POINT TO DISCUSS

1. Explain why the content is not weighed while it is still hot.

2. Explain why the crucible needs to be covered during cooling.

3. Write a balanced equation for the reaction between zinc and

hydrochloric acid.

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 Chemistry Laboratory Manual – FB10054

DATA SHEET

EXPERIMENT 1: DETERMINATION OF THE FORMULA UNIT

OF A COMPOUND

RESULTS

No. Item Mass (g)

1. Mass of empty crucible

2. Mass of crucible + zinc powder

3. Mass of zinc powder

4. Mass of crucible + zinc chloride:

i) First heating

ii) Second heating

iii) Third heating

5. Mass of zinc chloride

6. Mass of chlorine

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