2018-19 JHCS CHEMISTRY

LAB: OBSERVATIO NS OF A CHEMICAL REACTION

BACKGROUND: Observation is data collected using your senses. Qualitative data describes
an object, while quantitative data is measured on a numerical scale. Heterogeneous matter
is a mixture that can be separated into different parts. Homogeneous matter is a mixture that
is uniform throughout. Heterogeneous matter can be changed to homogenous matter by
simple physical changes. Physical changes do not change the identity of the substance.
Chemical changes alter the identity of the substance.

In today’s lab, you and lab partners will SAFELY conduct an investigation using your keen
observation skills to classify matter and change.

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this lab is to

MATERIALS:
Copper II sulfate (CuSO4), sodium chloride (NaCl), aluminum foil, water, beaker, thermometer, stirring rod, funnel,
filter paper.

SAFETY WARNING! Wear gloves, goggles and aprons at all times! You are working with
TOXIC chemicals. Wash hands before leaving class today.

PROCEDURE:
1. Place __ scoops of CuSO4 into a beaker. Record observations. Wipe scoop with paper towel.
2. Add 25 mL water. Mix. Measure the temperature of the mixture. Record the lowest temperature. Record
observations. You are looking for signs of a physical and/or chemical reaction. A drawing is a good idea.
3. Crumple (LOOSELY, not tightly) a piece of aluminum foil. Sink it into the beaker. Measure the temperature of
the mixture. Record observations. Again, look for signs of physical or chemical reaction/change.
4. Add __ scoop of NaCl to beaker. Record observation. Wipe scoop with paper towel. Measure the temperature
of the mixture. Leave the aluminum foil in the solution for 10 minutes. Record the highest temperature. Record
observations. What do you think is happening?
5. Filter the mixture. Record observations of the solute (sediment) and filtrate (liquid).
6. Dispose of filter paper and solute in the waste container. Wash the filtrate down the sink drain.
7. Wash all glassware, equipment, and hands. Wipe down lab tables.
DATA: Qualitative/Quantitative
Observations Temperature

CuSO4 --
 CuSO4 + H2O

CuSO4 + H2O + Al

CuSO4 + H2O + Al + NaCl

Solute --

Filtrate --

POST LAB:
ID the materials as heterogeneous or homogeneous. ID whether a physical or chemical change took place.
Heterogeneous Homogeneous Physical change Chemical change
CuSO4
CuSO4 + H2O

CuSO4 + H2O + Al
CuSO4 + H2O + Al
+ NaCl
Solute
Filtrate

Go to SCHOOLOGY for the CONCLUSION QUESTION and complete on a separate sheet of paper.