Limiting and Excess Reactants Question: How can observation tell you which is the limiting reactant in the

reaction of aluminum with aqueous copper (II) chloride? Prediction:

Based on these calculations, I would expect to see the blue solution turn into a colourless solution once the reaction is complete. I would also expect copper to precipitate out of the solution and aluminum to be in excess. Materials: balance scoopula beaker Procedure: 1. Approximately 0.6 g of copper (II) chloride was measured out with the scoopula and placed into an empty beaker. 2. A piece of aluminum foil was rolled up and placed into the beaker. 3. To start the reaction, about 50 mL of water was added to the beaker. 4. The initial observations of the colour of the solution and the colour of the metal were recorded in the observation chart. 5. As the reaction proceeded, the final observations of the colour changes and formations were recorded in the observation chart. 6. When the reaction was completed, the content of the beaker was disposed of in the container provided. copper (II) chloride aluminum foil

Observation Chart Initial Observations greenish solid substance turned into a light blue colour in the solution when water was added greenish solid substance dissolved in solution blue solution was transparent aluminum appeared lustrous and silver bubbles were formed copper precipitated out of the solution the aluminum turned into a reddish brown colour aluminum broke down and sunk to the bottom of the solution Analysis:

Final Observations blue solution turned colourless aluminum didnt completely react and was left over blackened aluminum some aluminum dissolved

According to my observations, the reactant that was present in excess was the aluminum. The limiting reactant was the copper (II) chloride. My prediction was the same as my observations. I predicted that copper (II) chloride was the limiting reactant and aluminum was in excess. When I did my experimental observation, I saw that the results were the same as the results I predicted. I also predicted that copper would precipitate out of the solution, aluminum would be in excess and that the solution would go from a blue colour to colourless. In the experimental observation, I observed these chemical changes as well. Conclusions: In this investigation, my experimental observation supported my theoretical calculations because the exact mass of copper (II) chloride, which is 0.6 g, was used for the experiment and calculations, so the results of the limiting reactant and reactant in excess were the same. This is why my experimental observation supported my theoretical calculations. Application: Mg(s) + 2 HCl(aq) -> MgCl2(aq) + H2(g) The evidence that I have that a reaction was taking place between the hydrochloric acid and the magnesium is that magnesium is more reactive than hydrogen on the activity series, so thats a way of telling a reaction will take place. The magnesium dissolves since theres less of it and bubbles of gas form because hydrogen gas is being produced. This chemical change is evidence of a reaction is taking place.