Grade 12U Chemistry Lab Investigation – Aggregates

Classifying Mystery Solids

Introduction
When analyzing an unknown solid, physical properties can help to quickly narrow down the possibilities to a
particular class of solids – ionic, metallic, molecular, and covalent network.

Problem (
To what class of solids do the six mystery solids belong?

Materials
six unknown substances (A – F) watch glass test tubes
bunsen burner tongs hexane (nonpolar solvent)
scoopulas retort stand de-ionized water
crucible ring clamp conductivity apparatus
stop watch

Procedure
Prepare an observation table to record your qualitative and quantitative observations on each of the following. (
1. Place a scoopula full of the compound (A – F) on the watch glass for viewing. Describe the
substance’s physical properties (colour, state, texture etc.)
2. Note the odour of each substance. Consider how odour may be an indicator of bonding type.
3. Test the hardness of each substance. Using a paper towel, rub a small amount of the substance between your
fingers. Also check by attempting to crush a small sample of your solid between the watch glass and a
scoopula. Record as hard or soft (waxy or pliable) or brittle (granular).
3. Test each substance in the solid state for its electrical conductivity.
4. Place a small sample of your substance into a small beaker and add distilled water to completely cover your
sample. Check for solubility. Note if it takes a lot of agitation (stirring) to dissolve. Shake and record
observations about solubility in a polar solvent.
5. Test for conductivity of the solution made in part 4 using the conductivity apparatus. Be sure to rinse
electrodes between use.
6. Repeat the solubility test for each unknown in part 4 using a nonpolar solvent. This part has already
been done for you – see the fumehood to make your observations.
7. Heat each substance using the crucibles and note the degree of difficulty in melting each substance (as
measured by the time taken). As soon as the substance begins to melt take off your Bunsen burner. If the
substance takes longer than 2 minutes to melt, assume it has a high melting point.
8. For those that melt, test electrical conductivity in the molten state if possible.

Discussion Questions
For each aggregate you studied above classify each aggregate as one of the four types by main specific
references to your observations and by accounting for the various properties observed by referring to:
a) type of bonding
b) the strength of bonding
c) the nature of the particles of the various aggregates when dissolved in solvents.

Conclusion
Summarize the results of the lab. Briefly discuss the impact of intramolecular forces on the physical properties
of compounds.
Follow-Up Questions

1. Construct the table below. Classify each of the following elements or compounds as one of the four
aggregate types in the table below and provide your reasoning. Note: be very brief in your reasoning.

Compound Aggregate (Type) Reason

methane potassium sulphate quartz sodium

sodium chloride barium oxide naphthalene carbon dioxide
sulphur sugar iodine copper (II) nitrate
silicon carbide aluminium diamond

2. Which of the following substances in each pair would have the higher boiling point?
Explain briefly making specific reference to forces.
a) F2 or I2 b) Cu or Ca c) PH3 or NH3 d) KI or MgO

3. For each of the following substances, indicate which bonds or intermolecular forces must be broken on
vaporization.
a) potassium chloride b) ethanol c) nitrogen gas d) silicon dioxide e)mercury

4. Explain why metals are malleable while ionic substances are not.

5. Why is diamond a poor conductor of an electrical current while graphite is a good conductor?

Marking Scheme
Introduction 0 1 2 3 4
(what are aggregates?examples)
Purpose 0 1
(objective)
Safety 0 1 2
(list specific safety precautions)
Observations 0 6 10 12 16 18 20 22 24
(data table, qualitative)
Discussion 0 6 10 12 16 18 20 22 24
(questions)
Conclusion 0 1 2 3
(concluding statements, errors)
Impression 0 2 3 4
(lab skills, accuracy, presentation)
Follow Up Questions 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Total /68