Calamine Investigation

Calamine Investigation

Introduction.

Calamine is a mineral containing Zinc Carbonate (Zn CO ). On heating

it decomposes as follows:

ZnCO -------ZnO+ CO

(C= 12, O= 16, Zn= 65)

The equation allows you to calculate a theoretical conversion of

calamine into zinc oxide. In the chemical industry they need to be

able to calculate % yields in order to make sure that their processes

are economical.

Aim.

I am going to compare the results from the experiment with the

theoretical result to see if they have any similarities or

differences.

I have already been told how to find out the theoretical result by

using balanced equations and reacting masses.

Prediction.

I predict that the experimental yield won’t be the same as the

theoretical yield.

This is because the experiments weren’t as accurate as they could have

been. My measurements of zinc carbonate weren’t as accurate as they

needed to be, to ensure a fair test. This was because it is almost

impossible to weigh exact measurements on electronic scales.

Another problem was there could have been moisture inside of the test

tube, which could have affected the results. Even with these problems

I think the results will be quite similar to the theoretical yield.

I choose to change the amount of zinc carbonate I used, because I can

easily see from these results whether there are any similarities

between the theoretical yield and the experimental yield.

Fair Testing.

I will heat the tubes, which contain more zinc carbonate for longer to

ensure that the tests were fair. I will also use the same electronic

scales for all of my experiments, as this will ensure that the tests

are fair. I will also were safety goggles to protect my eyes. When I

have finished the experiment I will check to see if there were any

anomalies, and if there any I will change them, provided if I have

enough time.

Method.