Analyzing Bond Types through Solubility and Conductivity

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This lab was intended to determine the type of bonding in the known and unknown substances using both, physical and chemical properties of substances containing ionic, molecular and metallic bonds. The unknown substances were then observed to see any relationships between the data of the known compounds. The instructions created by our group were followed, although there were necessary changes made. Instead of using litmus paper to determine the pH of the substance, we used the universal indicator liquid. In terms of errors made, we failed to correctly test the conductivity of certain compounds. We were unable to recognize that we cannot test the conductivity in water if the compound did not dissolve in water. Observations Compound Soluble in Water Soluble in Hexane pH( acidic/basic) Conductivity In terms of polarity we discovered that magnesium oxide ,calcium carbonate and “ unknown 2” are polar enough to dissolve in water and not dissolve in hexane. Salicylic acid ,benzoic acid and “unknown 1” have similar polarities as both did not dissolve in water and hexane. As for pH, the salicylic and benzoic acid crystals were extremely acidic. Magnesium oxide was slightly acidic while calcium carbonate was slightly basic. In terms of the unknowns, both were neutral. For the last part of our lab we had to test the conductivity. However, we did not realise that we cannot test the conductivity of the substances which did not dissolve in water. Therefore, the conductivity for the salicylic acid crystals, benzoic acid crystals and “unknown 1” are inaccurate and thus only the conductivity of the other three substances are accurate. Due to the lack of time we were unable to produce another test to test the property of the compounds.

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