MF 008

GENERAL CHEMISTRY 1
Laboratory Manual
[Amended in December 2015 by Miss Annie Mathews]
Most of the experiments in this Lab. Manual are extracted from
GCE A-Level Lab Book

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 CONTENT PAGE

PRACTICAL CONTENT

Guidelines Laboratory report format, submission and lab conduct

1a Make a salt and calculate the percentage yield of copper (II) sulfate
1b Types of chemical reactions and tests for gases

2a Flame tests
2b Redox reactions involving halogens and metals

3 Standardize a solution of potassium manganate (VII) by

iron (II) salt (ammonium iron(II) sulphate)

4 Analyze a solution of potassium hydroxide using

standard hydrochloric acid

5 pH titrations

6 Buffer solutions

7 Half cells and the electrochemical series

8a Enthalpy change of reaction

8b Finding the Enthalpy change of reaction that cannot be measured directly

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 LABORATORY REPORT FORMAT
1. Cover page:
Use the sample cover page available on page 4; you are to include the details like:
lab no., title of experiment, students names and student number, group number
and date of experiment.
2. Format of report:
Font : Arial size 12
Spacing : 1.5, justified
Pages: 5 (maximum, excluding calculations), numbered
3. Marks allocation:
Introduction & objective = 10%
Materials & methods = 10%
Result (graphs, data) & calculations =40%
Discussion, precaution steps & questions = 30%
Reference No referencing (-10%)
Very Bad referencing (-5%)
Conclusion =10%
4. Introduction:
An introduction, which discusses some relevant principles of chemistry of the
experiment and the purpose of this experiment.
5. Objectives:
Objective addressed in the experiment has been stated clearly.
6. Materials & methods:
All the materials have been listed.
7. Results:
Results should include the relevant data, calculations, and any graphs or photos.
Your graphs and photos should be fully labeled. The accuracy of your calculations
will be graded also.

8. Discussion:
The principles and its relationship with the experiment should be discussed. Any
chemical reactions and its equation should also be included in this section.
Precaution steps should be stated in another section. Length is one page. You may
write about sources of systematic errors but refrain from writing about mistakes.
Good writing skill: One paragraph should have only one main point
accompanied by supporting points and/or elaboration.
9. Conclusion:
The conclusion should be stated briefly in a few sentences (not an entire
paragraph), include the summary of result and principles.

10. References:

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11. Submission of laboratoty reports:
Students are required to conduct experiments in a group of 4 persons. Only 1
report is submitted per group for every experiment. Students are required to
submit the laboratory reports 1 week after the laboratory session. Failure to do so
will result in reduction of marks.
Plagiarism is strictly forbidden.

12. Punctuality:

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 Please be punctual in attending lab sessions and also submitting lab report. Failure
to do so will result in deduction of marks.
Sample cover page:

Subject: General Chemistry 1 Laboratory Report

Subject Code: MF008

Programme: Foundation in Science

Name of Lecturer: Miss Annie Mathews

No. and Title of Expt:

Group No:
I / We declare that the work submitted is my / our own. I / We confirm that I / We have read
and understood the University regulations with regard to Plagiarism, Collusion and Cheating in
this work will be penalized.

No. Name of members Student ID Signature

Assessment Criteria:

Criteria Check on Remarks by the lecturer

relevant box

Cover page

Introduction

Materials / Results

Calculation

Discussion /
Conclusion

Question

References

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 LABORATORY PRACTICAL RULES

1. All students are to ensure proper attire (long pants, covered shoes, clipped/ tied
hair (if long), lab coat, no shorts, no slippers, no skirts) at all times during the
lab session. Failure to do so will result in the removal of penalised student from
the laboratory.

2. No food and drinks allowed in the laboratory.

3. All students are not allowed to wear lab coats outside the laboratory.

4. Attendance is compulsory. It is the responsibility of the students to ensure that his/

her chosen laboratory session does not clash with other course(s) undertaken
during the semester.

5. All students are required to read and understand the procedures of the
corresponding experiment(s) before coming for their laboratory sessions.

6. All students are to enter and leave the laboratory only with the permission of the
lecturer or laboratory technician.

7. Bench should not have personal belongings other than essential stationary during
the lab sessions and students should clean up bench after the lab session.

8. All students are to ensure to equip themselves with felt tip permanent marker pens
for labelling, camera (optional) to photograph work and data.

9. Safety measures are to be observed at all time especially in handling dangerous

chemicals. Wastes are to be discarded according to the instruction of the lecturer
during the lab sessions. Failure to do so will cause deduction of marks in
performance.

10. All students are to wash hands thoroughly before and after practical sessions (in
the lab). Gloves should be worn when handling carsinogenic or corrosive
chemicals.

Experiment 1 a

Make a salt and calculate the percentage yield of copper (II) sulfate

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Objective:

To make a salt and to calculate the percentage yield of the salt.

Reagents & Apparatus:

20 mL Sulfuric acid 1M, 3g Copper (II) carbonate, Bunsen burner Tripod

stand, Gauze, White tile, Filter funnel and filter paper, Glass rod, Spatula, 100 mL Glass
beaker, Conical flask 250 mL, Petri dish, Balance

Procedure:

Stage 1

1. With the aid of a measuring cylinder, measure 20 mL 1M sulfuric acid and pour it
into a 100 mL beaker.

2. Heat the acid carefully on the tripod with a blue flame until nearly boiling.

3. When the acid is hot enough, turn off the Bunsen burner and stand the beaker on a
white tile.

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4. Use a spatula to add small portions of copper (II) carbonate into the beaker. The
reaction is exothermic, so be careful when adding the solid. Stir the mixture
gently for about half a minute after each addition.

5. When all the copper (II) carbonate has been added, allow the beaker to cool
slightly; meanwhile set up Stage 2.

Stage 2

6. Fold a filter paper to fit into a filter funnel, and put it in the funnel. Place the
funnel in the neck of a conical flask.

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7. When the beaker is cool enough to hold at the top, pour the contents into the filter
paper in the funnel. Gently swirl the
contents to mix; allow to filter through.

8. Rinse the beaker and pour the clear blue solution back into it. Boil the solution
until the volume is half the original volume. Cool the solution.

9. Obtain the mass of a dry petri dish; label it with your group number. Carefully
pour the warm solution into the dish and leave aside for a week. After one week,
obtain the mass of the dry crystals.

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Results:

1. i. What was the color of copper (II) carbonate?

ii. What was the color of the solution produced after the reaction?

2. Describe your crystals.

3. Mass of the dry crystals = .. g

Questions for Discussion:

1. Write a balanced equation for the reaction done above.

2. Calculate the theoretical yield (mass) of crystal.

1 20
No of moles of H2SO4 = a
1000

No of moles of (hydrated) CuSO4.5H2O = a

Theoretical mass of hydrated crystal = a 249.5 b

3. Calculate the percentage yield.

mass_ obtained
% yield of the hydrated crystal = 100
b

4. a) Is it possible to prepare copper (II) sulfate if we start with copper (II) oxide
and sulfuric acid? If so, describe the procedure.

5. b) Is it possible to prepare copper (II) sulfate if we start with copper metal and
sulfuric acid? If so, describe the procedure.

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Experiment 1 b

Types of chemical reactions and tests for gases

Objective

To observe and write ionic equations for several types of chemical reactions

Reagents & Apparatus:

Copper (II) carbonate ~ (2 g), Calcium carbonate ~ (2 g), Zinc strips, Magnesium
ribbons (two 3 cm strips), Silver nitrate solution, 0.5 M ~ (30 mL), Sodium bromide
solution, 1 M ~ (5 mL), Sodium hydroxide solution,2M~ (5ml), Sodium hydroxide
solution 1 M ~ (30ml), Hydrochloric acid, 2M ~ (10mL), Hydrochloric acid l M ~
(30mL), Limewater saturated ~ (10 mL), Universal indicator, Lead (II) nitrate
solution, 1 M ~ (25 mL), Balance, Spatula, Bunsen burner, Metal tongs,
Wooden splinter, Dropper, Sand paper, Beaker (100 mL), Test tubes, 2 large test
tube, Measuring Cylinder, Glass rod, Delivery tube with stopper, Wooden test tube
holder, White tile,

Procedure

A. Catalytic reaction of hydrogen peroxide

1. Hold a boiling tube with a wooden holder.

2. Add a small quantity of manganese(IV) oxide

(catalyst) into the boiling tube.

3. With the aid of a dropper, slowly add

hydrogen peroxide solution into the boiling tube.

4. Hold a glowing splinter over the mouth of the tube.

B. Heating a carbonate compound

1. Place a spatula of copper (II) carbonate

into a large test tube and fit the test tube

with a stopper and delivery tube.

2. Heat the test tube with a Bunsen burner.

3. Bubble the gas evolved through 1 mL of limewater.

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C. Reaction of a carbonate compound with an acid

1. Transfer about 2cm3 2M HCl into a large test tube.

2. Add a spatula of calcium carbonate into the test tube,

and fit the test tube with the stopper and delivery tube.

3. Note the effect of the gas evolved on limewater.

D. Reaction of a metal with a dilute acid

1. Place a 3 cm strip of magnesium in a small test tube.

2. Add 2 M hydrochloric acid to a depth of about 3 cm.

3. Note the reaction and test the gas evolved by placing a

lighted wooden splinter to the mouth of the test tube.

E. Heating a metal

1. Hold a 3 cm strip of magnesium ribbon with

a pair of metal tongs and heat it.

2. Take note of the colour of the product formed.

F. Reaction of a sulfite (or sulphite) with an acid

1. Add a spatula of sodium sulphite into a test tube.

2. Add about 2 cm3 of dilute hydrochloric acid.

3. Using a dropper, add a drop of acidified potassium dichromate (VI) (aq).

G. Precipitation reaction

1. Place 2mL of 0.5 M AgNO3 solution into a test tube.

2. Add the same volume of 1 M NaBr solution.

3. Observe and record your observations.

4. Leave the product near the window or in uv-light for 5 minutes. Record
your observations.

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 H. Neutralization reaction (Demonstration to be done at the lecturers table)

1. Transfer about 10 mL, 1M HC1 into a beaker.

2. Add 5 drops of Universal Indicator into the beaker.

3. Using a dropper gradually add 1 M NaOH solution, until about 15 mL of the

alkali has been added. Stir constantly with a glass rod.

4. Compare the colour of the solutions with the chart and record the pH of the final
solution.

Results

Type of reaction Observation

Heating a carbonate
Reaction of a carbonate with an acid
Heating a metal
Reaction of a metal with a dilute acid
Precipitation reaction
Metal displacement reaction
Neutralization reaction

Questions for Discussion:

1. Write balanced equations for all the experiments above.

2. Write the ionic equations for the appropriate reactions.

3. Briefly describe how you would test for the following gases:

a) Ammonia

b) Water vapour

c) Chlorine

4. Briefly describe how you would distinguish between bromine gas and
nitrogen dioxide gas

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 MF008 General Chemistry 1 UCSI University

Experiment 2 a

Objective:

To use Flame Tests to identify compounds of Group 1 and Group 2

Reagents & Apparatus:

Looped wire for flame test, Concentrated Hydrochloric acid, Watch glass, Bunsen burner,
Spatula, Sodium chloride, Potassium chloride, Barium chloride, Calcium chloride

Procedures:

1. Transfer half a spatula of the a solid provided (A, B, C or D) in a watch glass.

2. Add a few drops of diluted HCl solution on to the solid, to make a paste.

3. Dip a clean piece of platinum or tungsten wire into the acidic paste.
4. Hold the wire at the edge of a blue Bunsen flame and note the color of the flame.

Test Observation The cation present is

a) Unknown A

b) Unknown B

c) Unknown C

d) Unknown D

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MF008 General Chemistry 1 UCSI University

Questions for Discussion:

1. Explain how the Flame Tests could be used to identify the compounds.

2. Give a use for these Flame Tests.

Experiment 2 b

Objective

To investigate three redox reactions;

(a) Between a metal and dilute acid

(b) Metal-metal ion displacement reaction

(c) Halogen displacement reaction

Reagents & Apparatus:

Test Tubes, 2 Stripes each of the following metals; copper, lead, magnesium and zinc,
10.0 ml, 2.0 M hydrochloric acid in labeled test tube,
1 M solutions of the following salt solutions: Copper (II) nitrate, Lead (II) nitrate,
Magnesium nitrate and Zinc nitrate, Potassium bromide, Potassium chloride and
Potassium iodide, Chlorine water, Bromine solution and Iodine solution,
Hexane solution, Test tubes, Bunsen burner, Sand paper

Procedure

A. Metal Acid reaction

1. Arrange four test tubes on a test tube stand. Label the test tubes accordingly.

2. Add 2.0 ml dilute HCl acid into each test tube.

3. Place a piece of copper metal into the first test tube, a lead metal into the second test
tube, zinc strip into the third test tube and a magnesium ribbon into the fourth tube.

4. Compare the reactivity of the metals with the acid and record your observations.

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MF008 General Chemistry 1 UCSI University

B. Metal Metal ion Reaction

1. Place a zinc strip into 3 different test tubes.

2. Add 1 M Magnesium nitrate solution into the first test tube, 1 M Lead (II) nitrate
solution into the second test tube and 1 M Copper (II) nitrate solution into the third
test tube.

3. Record all your observations.

4. Repeat steps (1) (2) for magnesium, lead and copper metals.

C. Halogen displacement Reaction

1. To 2.0 ml KBr solution, in a test tube, add about 2.0 ml chlorine water; stir.

2. Observe any change.

3. Add about 1.0 ml hexane (C6H14) to the same test tube and stir.
Allow the hexane layer to settle down. Note the colour of this layer.

4. Record the colour of the hexane layer.

5. Repeat steps (1) (4), for the following reactions:

Cl2 + KI, Br2 + KCl, Br2 + KI, I2 + KCl, I2 + KBr

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MF008 General Chemistry 1 UCSI University

Results

A: Metal Acid reaction

Metal used Reaction with dilute HCl (aq)

Copper

Lead

Zinc

Magnesium

B. Metal Metal ion Reaction

Solution Magnesium Zinc Lead (II) Copper (II)

nitrate (aq) nitrate (aq) nitrate (aq) nitrate (aq)
Metal

Mg X

Zn X

Pb X

Cu X

C. Halogen displacement Reaction

Reaction Observation before adding hexane Colour of the hexane layer

Cl2 + KBr

Cl2 + KI

Br2 + KCl

Br2 + KI

I2 + KCl

I2 + KBr

Questions for Discussion:

1. Write balanced ionic equation for the reactions that took place in the:

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MF008 General Chemistry 1 UCSI University

a) Metal Acid Reaction

b) Metal Metal ion Reaction

c) Halogen Displacement Reaction

2. Which metal did not react with HCl (aq)? Give an explanation for this.

3. Which metal is the most electropositive?

Experiment 3
Objective:

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MF008 General Chemistry 1 UCSI University

Standardize potassium manganate (VII) solution by ammonium iron(II) sulphate

Theory
In solution, ammonium iron (II) sulphate, (NH)2SO .FeSO.6HO, dissociates into
iron(II) ions, sulphate ions and ammonium ions. Only the iron(II) ions are oxidized
by the managanate (VII) ions in acid medium. The reaction is as follows:
MnO + 5Fe2+ + 8H+ Mn 2+ + 5Fe3+ + 4H2O

Procedure
1. Weigh about 9.8g of ammonium iron (II) sulphate crystals.

2. Dissolve this in about 50cm of 1.0 M sulphuric acid in a small beaker. Transfer
the solution and washings into a 250cm standard volumetric flask and make up to
the mark with distilled water. Shake well.

3. Pipette 25.0 cm of the ammonium iron (II) sulphate solution into a conical flask
and add about an equal volume of 1.0 M sulphuric acid.

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MF008 General Chemistry 1 UCSI University

4. Titrate with potassium manganate (VII) solution, which is in a burette, until a

permanent pink color is observed. Repeat for consistent results.

Add 25.0 cm
H2SO4

Results
Mass of weighing bottle + crystals = _______________g

Mass of weighing bottles = ______________ g

Mass of ammonium iron(II) sulphate crystals = _______________g

Burette readings

Accurate
Titration number Rough 1 2 3 4

Final reading

Initial reading

Volume of KMnO used/ cm

Show which results are used to obtain the value of the potassium manganate(VII) (aq).

Summary
25.0 cm of the acidified ammonium iron(II) sulphate required ..cm of the

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MF008 General Chemistry 1 UCSI University

potassium manganate(VII) solution for reaction

Calculation / Discussion:
1. Calculate the number of moles of ammonium iron(II) sulphate crystals, FeSO .
(NH)2SO.6H2O in the weighed sample.

9.7
No of moles of Fe2+ (in 250 cm3) = a
392

2. Calculate the number of moles of Fe+ ions in 25.0 cm of the solution pipetted.

250 cm3 Fe2+ has amoles

So, 25 cm3 Fe2+ has bmoles

3. Calculate the number of moles of MnO which reacted during titration.

From the equation,

5 moles of Fe2+ reacted with 1 mole of MnO4

So, bmoles of Fe2+ reacted with c mole of MnO4

4. Calculate the concentration of the manganate(VII) ions, MnO , in

mol dm - and in g dm-.

c1000
Concentration of MnO4 in mol dm 3 = d
TitreValue

Concentration of MnO4 in g dm 3 = d119 e

5. Calculate the mass of the potassium manganate(VII) KMnO in 1 dm of solution

Concentration of KMnO4 in g dm 3 = d158 f

Experiment 4

Objective:

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MF008 General Chemistry 1 UCSI University

Analyze a solution of potassium hydroxide using standard hydrochloric acid

Theory

The reaction between potassium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid is as follows:

KOH + HCI H2O

Or OH - + H + H2O

Procedure
1. By using a measuring cylinder, transfer 40.00 cm of the solution of potassium
hydroxide into a 250cm graduated flask, make up to the mark with deionized
water and shake well to obtain a homogenous solution.

2. Pipette 25.0 cm of the diluted potassium hydroxide solution from the flask, into a
conical flask. Add 1-2 drops of methyl orange indicator.
3. Fill a burette with hydrochloric acid and titrate the diluted potassium hydroxide
solution with hydrochloric acid.

4. The end-point is when the color changes from yellow to pale-orange.

Repeat titration for consistent results.
Results
Burette readings

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MF008 General Chemistry 1 UCSI University

Accurate
Titration number Rough 1 2 3 4

Final reading

Initial reading

Volume of HCI used/cm

Summary

25 cm of the diluted potassium hydroxide solution

required ..cm of 0.1 mol dm3 of hydrochloric acid.

Calculation / Discussion

1. Calculate the number of moles of potassium hydroxide in 1 dm of diluted

solution.

0.1 TitreValue
No of moles of HCl = g
1000

25 cm3 of KOH has gmoles

1000 cm3 of KOH has hmoles

2. Calculate the number of moles of potassium hydroxide in the original undiluted

solution.

25 cm3 of KOH has gmoles

250 cm3 of KOH has i moles

No of moles of KOH in the (40 cm3) original solution = i moles 22

MF008 General Chemistry 1 UCSI University

3. Calculate the mass of potassium hydroxide in 1 dm of the original solution.

40 cm3 of KOH has i moles

1000 cm3 of KOH has j moles (this is the concentration in mol dm 3)

So, concentration in g dm 3 = j 56.1 k

4. Calculate the mass of the potassium ions, K+, in 1 dm of the original solution

KOH (s) K + (aq) + OH (aq)

From the equation, 1 mole of KOH will produce 1 mole of K+ ions

So, mass of K+ ions in 1000 cm3 = j 39.1 l

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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

Experiment 5
Objective:
To see how pH changes in an acid-base titration, and to see how the shape of the titration
curve depends on the nature of the acid.
Reagents & Apparatus:

0.10M NaOH, 0.1M HCl, 0.1M CH3COOH Burette stand, 50mL Burette, Magnetic stirrer
and bar, pH meter, 25mL Pipette and filler, Beaker, White tile
A. Titration of HCl with NaOH
1. Transfer 25.00mL of 0.10 M HCl to a clean 250mL beaker using a pipette. Add a
magnetic bar and place the beaker on the magnetic stirrer. Adjust the speed of the
stirrer so that the bar is spinning steadily.

2. Place the pH electrode in the beaker, turn on the instrument, and take an initial pH
measurement and record this. Please note that the electrode has a small white pore
on the side (about 2 cm from the bottom) which must be immersed in the solution
in order to obtain a reading. If necessary, tilt the beaker to immerse this pore.

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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

3. Add NaOH from the burette to the acid solution in 1 mL increments. Record the
burette and pH meter readings after each addition of NaOH. After the first 20mL
of NaOH have been added, add NaOH drop wise instead of 1mL at a time.

4. Eventually, as you approach the equivalence point, small increments in the

volume of NaOH will result in large changes in pH. At this point in the titration,
you should record your measurement after each 1/2mL or 0.1 mL, to see if there is
a significant change (increase of pH before and after addition is 0.2 in the pH).

5. Once past the equivalence point, continue to add NaOH drop wise until the pH
levels off at a final high value. Record the pH value with each addition.

6. Dispose of the reaction mixture by pouring it down the sink, followed with lots of
tap water. Be sure to retrieve the stir bar.

B. Titration of CH3COOH with NaOH

Refill the burette with NaOH and repeat the procedure in part B, using acetic acid instead
of hydrochloric acid. It is not necessary to clean the burette from part B.

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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

Result:
A. Titration of HCl with NaOH. Plot a graph for this titration.

Vol. NaOH pH Vol. NaOH pH Vol. NaOH pH

(mL) (mL) (mL)

0.0 16.0 26.0

1.0 17.0 26.5

2.0 18.0 27.0

3.0 19.0 28.0

4.0 20.0 29.0

5.0 20.5 30.0

6.0 21.0 31.0

7.0 21.5 32.0

8.0 22.0 33.0

9.0 22.5 34.0

10.0 23.0 35.0

11.0 23.5 36.0

12.0 24.0 37.0

13.0 24.5 38.0

14.0 25.0 39.0

15.0 25.5 40.0

Plot a graph using the results that you have obtained

B. Titration of CH3COOH with NaOH. Plot a graph for this titration.

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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

Vol. NaOH pH Vol. NaOH pH Vol. NaOH pH

(mL) (mL) (mL)

0.0 16.0 26.0

1.0 17.0 26.5

2.0 18.0 27.0

3.0 19.0 28.0

4.0 20.0 29.0

5.0 20.5 30.0

6.0 21.0 31.0

7.0 21.5 32.0

8.0 22.0 33.0

9.0 22.5 34.0

10.0 23.0 35.0

11.0 23.5 36.0

12.0 24.0 37.0

13.0 24.5 38.0

14.0 25.0 39.0

15.0 25.5 40.0

Plot a graph using the results that you have obtained

Calculations:

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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

A. HCl
Equivalence point: ____________mL NaOH
pH: _______________

B. CH3COOH
Equivalence point: ___________mL NaOH
pH: _____________

Questions for Discussion:

1. a) What is the meaning of equivalence point of a titration?
b) What is the meaning of end point of a titration?

2. Using your results and the information in the Data Booklet, select appropriate
indicator for each of the following titrations.
a) strong acid strong base: .
b) strong acid weak base: ...
c) weak acid strong base: ...
d) weak acid weak base: .

Experiment 6

Objective:

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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

To explain the action of buffer solutions; comparing the effect of adding acid or alkali on
the pH of the buffer

Reagents & Apparatus:

Sodium ethanoate 2g; Ethanoic acid 5cm3 concentrated acid and 0.1M solution;
0.1M hydrochloric acid 1 drop; 0.1M sodium hydroxide 5cm3; Distilled water;
Universal indicator with chart
Beakers 100 cm3 x 2; Measuring cylinder 100 cm3; Glass rods x 2 for stirring
Procedure

1. Put about 50 cm3 of 0.1M ethanoic acid in a 100 cm3 beaker and add a small spatula
(2g) of solid sodium ethanoate.

2. Stir to dissolve and then add 1 cm3 of the Universal indicator solution, enough to
give a recognizable colour.

3. Determine the pH of the solution by comparison with the colour charts provided.
Stand this beaker on a white tile. Label the beaker Buffer solution of pH

4. Into a second beaker, put 1 drop of 0.1M hydrochloric acid and 50 cm3 of distilled
water. Stir well. Add 1 cm3 of the Universal indicator solution and determine the
pH of this solution by using the chart provided.

5. Now dilute the contents of this second beaker with distilled water (adding more
indicator as necessary) until you have a solution of hydrochloric acid which has the
same appearance (and therefore the same pH) at the contents of the first beaker.
Label the second beaker Un-buffered solution on pH

6. Now add 1 drop of 0.1M sodium hydroxide to each of the beakers and observe what
happens to the pH.

7. Add more drops of sodium hydroxide and then some drops of 0.1M hydrochloric
acid.
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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

Result

Type of solution added Number of drops added pH of the solution

Buffered Un-buffered

NaOH (aq) 3

HCl (aq) 3

Questions for Discussion:

1. Which solution does not change much in pH on addition of alkali and acid?

2. Which solution changes very easily, when alkali and acid were added?

3. Explain how the buffer solution resists change in pH when alkali / acid was added
to it. Give appropriate equations as well.

Experiment 7

Objective

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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

To construct a number of different electrochemical cells and use them to determine the
relative positions of various pairs of oxidants and reductants in the electrochemical series.

Theory

If a copper strip is placed in a solution of copper ions then, one of the following reactions
may occur:

Cu2+ + 2e- Cu

Cu Cu2+ + 2e-

The electrical potential that would be developed by these reactions prevents their
continuation. These reactions are called half-reactions or half-cell reactions. There is no
direct way to measure the electrical potential (electromotive force, emf) of a half-cell
reaction. Similarly, a zinc strip in a solution of zinc ions has the possible reactions:

Zn2+ + 2e- Zn

Zn Zn2+ + 2e-

But these are also prevented from occurring by the electrical potential that would build
up. If the metal electrodes (copper and zinc) in the two solutions are connected by a wire,
and if the solutions are electrically connected by perhaps a porous membrane or a bridge
that minimizes mixing of the solutions, a flow of electrons will move from one electrode,
where the reaction is M1 M1n+ + ne-

to the other electrode, where the reaction is M2n+ + ne- M2.

In this case, the zinc metal goes into solution as zinc ions, and the copper ions plate out.
The overall cell reaction is: Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) Zn2+ (aq) + Cu(s)
The electromotive force for such a cell can be measured; this cell can be written as

Zn(s)Zn+2(aq)Cu+2(aq)Cu(s)

Reagents & Apparatus:

4 small Beakers containing 1M of the following solutions: Copper (II) nitrate,

Magnesium nitrate, Lead (II) nitrate, Zinc nitrate, Strips of the following metals: Copper,
Magnesium, Lead, Zinc, Strips of filter paper, 1M solution of potassium nitrate,
Voltmeter, Crocodile clips, Connecting wires.

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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

Procedure:
1.Construct the following half cells:
a. Cu 2+/Cu; a beaker containing a copper electrode and 30 mL
copper(II) nitrate solution
b. Mg 2+/ Mg; a beaker containing a magnesium ribbon and 30 mL
magnesium sulphate solution
2+
c. Pb / Pb; a beaker containing a lead rod and 30 mL
lead (II) nitrate solution
d. Zn 2+/ Zn; a beaker containing a zinc electrode and 30 mL
zinc nitrate solution
3. Make a salt bridge by soaking a strip of filter paper in a beaker of potassium
nitrate solution. Join the Cu2+/Cu and Zn 2+/Zn half - cells using the salt bridge.
Attach two wires to the voltmeter and clip the other end of one wire to the copper
electrode. Momentarily touch the loose end of the second wire to the zinc
electrode. If the needle of the voltmeter is deflected onto the scale, clip this loose
end of the wire to the zinc electrode and proceed with the next step. If the needle
of the voltmeter is deflected below zero, swap the wires at the terminals of the
voltmeter before continuing.
4. Record the voltage and identify the positive and negative electrodes. (The positive
electrode is connected to the positive terminal of the voltmeter).
5. Disconnect the metals. Remove and discard the salt bridge.
6. Repeat steps 2 4 for each of the other five combinations of half-cells.
In each combination, use a new salt bridge.

Results
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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

Complete the table below:

Solutions Voltage reading + electrode electrode

Zn2+ + Cu2+
Mg2+ + Cu2+
Pb2+ + Cu2+
Mg2+ + Zn2+
Mg2+ + Pb2+

Questions for Discussion:

1. What is the function of the salt bridge?

2. Write half equations for the reactions occurring in each half cell and hence write
an overall equation for the reaction in each cell.

3. Write down the conventional representation of each of the cell that you have
constructed.

4. Write the order of reactivity of the metals used in this experiment. Explain why
you have decided with this order.

Experiment 8 a

Objectives:

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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

To determine the total enthalpy change in a chemical reaction for an experiment.

Reagents & Apparatus:

Zinc powder (2g), Sodium hydrogencarbonate (7g), 1M Copper sulfate (25cm3),
1.0M Citric acid (25cm3), Polystyrene cup with lid placed in a large beaker, Spatula,
Measuring cylinders (2), Balance, Thermometer (-10 C to 110 C)

1. Procedure:

Measure out 25 cm3 of 1M copper sulfate solution in to an insulated container.

Measure its temperature.
Add the zinc powder to the copper sulfate solution.
Stir gently and continuously and take note of the highest temperature reached.
Discard the reaction mixture into a waste bottle. Wash the cup thoroughly with
tap water and again with distilled water

2. Procedure:

Repeat the experiment above using 25 cm3 1M citric acid and sodium
hydrogencarbonate.

Record the temperature change as before.

Discard the reaction mixture into the sink. Wash the cup with tap water.

Result:
Copper sulfate and Zinc
M V
No. of moles of copper sulfate = 1000
a mol
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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

Initial temperature = .. C

Highest temperature = .. C

Temperature change = 1

25 4.184 1
Heat of reaction =
1000
b kJ

b

Enthalpy of this reaction in kJ mol = -1 a

Citric acid and Sodium hydrogencarbonate

No. of moles of citric acid = M V

c
1000
Initial temperature = .. C

Lowest temperature = .. C

Temperature change = 2

25 4.184 2
Heat of reaction = 1000
d kJ

d

c
Enthalpy of this reaction in kJ mol-1 =
(water = 1.0 g cm-3 and cwater = 4.184 J g-1 K-1).
Questions for Discussion:

1. Write an equation for the reaction between copper sulfate and zinc.

2. Write an equation for the reaction between citric acid and sodium
hydrogencarbonate.

3. Explain the reason for not including zinc and sodium hydrogencarbonate in the
calculations above.
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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

Experiment 8 b

Objective:
To determine the enthalpy change of a reaction that cannot be measured directly
Reagents & Apparatus:

Calcium metal (2g), Calcium carbonate (5g), 1M Hydrochloric acid (200 cm3), Balance,
Polystyrene cup with lid placed in a large beaker, Thermometer (-5 C to 50 C),
Measuring cylinder,

Procedure:

Experiment 1
Determine the mass of the calcium given in the sample bottle; calculate the
number of moles of calcium metal you are using.

Measure 25 cm3 of 1M HCl (aq) using the measuring cylinder into a clean
polystyrene cup.
Determine the temperature of the acid and record this as initial temperature.

Add the calcium metal, stir thoroughly and determine the maximum temperature.

Experiment 2

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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

Determine the mass of the calcium carbonate given in the sample bottle;
calculate the number of moles of calcium carbonate you are using.
Measure 25 cm3 of 1M HCl (aq) into a clean polystyrene cup.

Determine the temperature of the acid and record this as initial temperature.

Add the calcium carbonate powder, stir and determine the maximum temperature.

Result:
Reaction between calcium and hydrochloric acid
No. of moles of acid used = e
Initial temperature = .. C
Maximum temperature = .. C

Temperature change = 3

Reaction between calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid

No. of moles of acid used = f
Initial temperature = .. C
Maximum temperature = .. C

Temperature change = 4

Questions for Discussion:

1. Calculate the heat transferred, in kJ, for the reaction between calcium and
hydrochloric acid. (specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 J g-1 K-1)
g

2. Calculate the enthalpy change, in kJ mol1, for the reaction between calcium and
hydrochloric acid. Remember to put the sign in front of your answer.
g
e

3. Calculate the heat transferred, in kJ, for the reaction between calcium carbonate
and hydrochloric acid.
h
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MF008- General Chemistry 1 UCSI UNIVERSITY

4. Calculate the enthalpy change, in kJ mol1, for the reaction between calcium
carbonate and hydrochloric acid.
h
f

5. Construct equations for both the reactions in experiment 1 and experiment 2.

6. Construct an equation for the standard enthalpy of formation of calcium
carbonate. Construct a Hesss cycle by combining all equations and hence
calculate the Hf of calcium carbonate. The following information will be useful for
your calculation: Hf [CO2] = 394 kJ mol 1 ; Hf [H2O] = 286 kJ mol 1
2
Ca (s) + C (s) + O2 (g) H f CaCO3 (s)
3
g
e
2 h So,
CaCl2 (aq) + H2 (g) + C (s) + O2 (g)
3 f
g h
Hf = +b+c f
e
b c
CaCl2 (aq) +H2O (l) + CO2 (g)

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