Everton Smith

Chemistry

Date: September 23, 2022

Lab #1

Title

Laws of Constant Proportions

Aim

To investigate the laws of constant proportions.

Apparatus

Crucible, clay triangle, crucible tongs, magnesium ribbons, Bunsen burner, electronic balance, match

Diagram

Method

1. An empty crucible was weighed using an electronic balance. Measurements were recorded.
2. A piece of Magnesium ribbon was then placed into the crucible, and it was reweighed.
Measurements were recorded.
3. Both a clay triangle and a Bunsen burner were set up.
4. The Bunsen burner was then lit with a match.
5. The crucible was then placed above the Bunsen burner as shown in the diagram.
6. It was heated until all the Magnesium reacted.
7. The Bunsen burner was turned off to allow the apparatus to cool.
8. The crucible and its contents were then reweighed and the measurements were recorded.
9. The procedure was then repeated using a different piece of Magnesium ribbon.

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Data Collected:

(First Attempt)

Empty Crucible/g 33.2

Crucible Mg/g 33.9
Mass of Mg/g 0.5
Mass of Crucible + MgO 33.9
Mass of MgO 0.7
Mass of Oxide 0.2
% of Oxide 28.6%
Table showing a mass of Magnesium, Crucible, and Oxide, before and after the experiment was
finished (First Attempt)

(Second Attempt)

Empty Crucible/g 33.1

Crucible Mg/g 33.9
Mass of Mg/g 0.8
Mass of Crucible + MgO 34.8
Mass of MgO 1.7
Mass of Oxide 0.9
% of Oxide 52.9%
Table showing a mass of Magnesium, Crucible, and Oxide, before and after the experiment was
finished (Second Attempt)

Calculations:

Average Percentage

(28.6% + 52.9%)/2

= 40.75% / 40.8%

Empirical Formula

% of Oxide = 40.8%

% of Magnesium = 100 – 40.8

=59.2

In 100g of compound moles of Magnesium.

=59.2/24 = 2.467

Moles of Oxide = 40.8/16 = 2.55

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Therefore, the mole ratio is equal to 2.55/2.47 = 1.03

=1

And the mass of Magnesium is equal to 2.55/2.55 =1.00

Empirical Formula = MgO

Observations:

The lid had to be open to allow more oxygen to enter. There was a bright white flame when the
crucible lid was lifted. During the burning, the magnesium stayed odourless. With the lid uncover the
flame the magnesium had produced slowly turned to bright orange. When the reaction was finished,
the Magnesium turned to Magnesium Oxide, producing a white powder of ash.

Discussion

The law of constant proportions states that chemical compounds are made up of elements that are
present in a fixed ratio by mass. This implies that any pure sample of a compound, no matter the
source, will always consist of the same elements that are present in the same ratio by mass. With
the knowledge of what is the law of constant proportions, the calculation of certain compounds such
as the amount of water, whether it be 2 moles or 54 grams, the ratio of the amount of hydrogen to
oxygen by the weight will always be the same. Because of this consistency amongst proportions such
as water, calculations relating to this compound become much due to there being no irregularities.

Limitations

 Systematic error, due to the instrument (digital scale). The digital scale gave inconsistent
readings.
 Magnesium took a long time to react perhaps due to the formation of the oxide.

Sources of Error

 Environment conditions (wind from the broken window).

Precautions

 Keep hands away from the Bunsen burner, while in use.

 Use the crucible tongs to remove the crucible even after it has cooled for a while.

Conclusion

This experiment has deduced the certainty of the law of constant proportion, meaning that with any
compound such as the Magnesium Oxide produced in this experiment, the proportion of elements
are always constant.