Metal Chemistry Experiment

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Metal Chemistry Experiment

Aim

My aim is to plan and carry out an investigation that will enable me

to put 5 metals in order of reactivity. The 5 metals are zinc,

magnesium, copper, iron and calcium. I am also provided with Copper

(II) Sulphate solution.

Equipment

Zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, calcium, 500 cm3 CuSO4, Polystyrene cup

with lid, thermometer, measuring cylinder, stop watch, spatula and

safety specs.

Safety

In the experiment I am using substances that are irritant and harmful.

Throughout the experiment I will wear safety specs. I will make sure

the chairs are kept in and all loose objects are not around. I will

work carefully with the chemicals, so I do not spill any.

Plan

After making sure everything is safe, I will first start the

experiment with zinc. I will measure out 25 cm3 of CuSO4 in a

measuring tube. Then I will put it into a polystyrene cup with the

lid. I will insert a thermometer through the lid of the cup until it

touches the liquid. Then I will take one spatula of zinc. Before I put

it into the cup I will take the starting temperature of CuSO4. I will

write that down on a table already made. Then I will put the zinc into

the cup, close the lid and start the timer. I will mix the solution by

shaking the cup to increase the surface area.

If I increase the surface area the rate of reaction increases because

there is more chance the particles will react, as there is more

surface area. This will speed up the experiment.

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Every 30 seconds I will take the reading of the temperature. After 2

and ½ minutes I will stop the timer. Then I will empty the solution

into the sink and wash the cup and the thermometer. I will do this two

times for zinc, so that I have an average of results. This experiment

will be carried out with all the metals, a total of 15 experiments.

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