Chemical Reaction Lab Report

This lab is all about analyzing substances in terms of their physical and chemical changes. The physical properties of a substance can be observed and measured without changing the composition of the substance. It can be used to identify and describe substances. Physical properties of matter include odor, color, density, solubility, boiling point and melting point, and its physical state at room temperature. A colorless, odorless liquid that freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C is probably water, for example. Every substance also has chemical properties. Chemical properties, however, are observed only when a substance undergoes a change in composition – a chemical reaction. Each of the substances involved in this lab will undergo physical and/or

A flame was held over the jug with a long kitchen lighter. The methanol ignited, causing an explosive “whoosh” sound accompanied by flames jumping out of the mouth of the jug. Some flames could be seen afterward in the bottle. Also, flames inside the jug thrust upward and around, making a “whomp” sound. Water was the byproduct of the chemical reaction. The reaction occurs faster when the alcohol is in liquid phrase because molecules are spread further apart in the container. This increased space allows more molecules to react faster with oxygen in the air.

There are two bottles on the acetylene torch. The big green bottle was oxygen and the blue bottle was acetylene. A slight hiss of gas from the nozzle indicates that the Acetylene valve is turned on. Then the striker is used to light the torch.This action produced a red-orange flame which puts out black smoke. Slowly turn on the valve that controls your oxygen, until you see the flame change. A blue flame with a white inside tip

A rubber tubing was connected to the lab burner. The tube would partially close the air vents on the burner to make it easier to light. The gas was turned on and a striker was bought alongside the barrel of the burner. The striker created a spark over the gas coming out of the burner. After the burner is lit, a tight, bright blue, cone-shaped flame was produced. A copper wire (1.675g) was placed on top portion of the Bunsen burner flame using tongs but there was no reaction other than it darkening to a deep red. A physical reaction has taken place due to the change in temperature. Holding one end of the ribbon, a magnesium strip (0.085g) was placed on top of the flame. When it ignited a white, bright flame and heat was produced. There were strict instructions not to look directly at the burring ribbon. A chemical change has taken place due to the new characteristics such as the ash and flash of light. You cannot change it back to the original solid strip of ribbon which is one of the properties of a chemical reaction. This experiment was used to illustrate the concept of an exothermic reaction, as well as one that produces light