Investigation of the physical

properties of a
variety of substances
Reference: Chapter 4, Section 4.1, pages 118
121, and Section 4.4, pages 153156
Please note

A full risk assessment should be carried out prior to commencing this experiment.

Personal safety equipment should be worn.

Chemicals should be disposed of safely and with due regard to any environmental
considerations.

Aim
To investigate some physical properties of a variety of substances, and to explain these
properties in terms of the type of bonding present.

Introduction
Most of the physical and chemical properties of a substance can be related to the type of
bonding present. Compounds that are ionically bonded contain positive and negative ions
held together in a lattice. Substances that are covalently bonded exist as molecules;
covalent molecules are held together by intermolecular forces. If the molecules contain
atoms of different elements, they contain polar bonds due to the unequal sharing of
electrons between the different atoms. The polarity in a molecule is determined by the
relative electronegativities of its atoms and by the shape of the molecule. The more polar
the molecule, the more ionic character is introduced into the covalent compound.
In this experiment we will carry out simple tests to explore some physical properties of a
variety of compounds solubility, volatility, and electrical conductivity. We will see whether
we can establish trends in these properties and explain them in terms of the types of
bonding present.
As these tests are all qualitative in nature, the amounts used do not have to be measured
exactly.

Pre-lab questions
1

What is meant by physical properties?

Which types of elements are most likely to form:

(a) ionic compounds
(b) covalent compounds

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(c) polar covalent compounds?

3

Write down the chemical formulas for the compounds used in this experiment. Write
them in the correct column of the table in the Part 1 method.

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Part 1: The effect of structure on solubility

Method
Miscibility of liquids
1

Mix together about 10 cm3 of each of the following pairs of liquids

in a separating funnel. Stopper and shake well. Observe the
miscibility of each pair.
(a) water and ethanol
(b) water and hexane
(c) hexane and ethanol
funnel

A separating

If the liquids are immiscible, determine which is the upper layer by adding a small
additional volume of one of the liquids, shake well and observe which layer has
increased in volume.

Add a drop of fluorescein dye to each liquid mixture and note its solubility.

Solubility of solids in liquids

1

Place a very small amount of solid in a test tube, and approximately half-fill the tube
with liquid. Stopper the test tube and shake well. Test the following combinations of
solids and liquids. Observe for signs of solubility.
Solid

Formula

Liquid

Urea

hexane

candle wax

water

benzoic acid
oxalic acid
Silica
magnesium nitrate
iron(III) sulfate
copper(II) chloride
sodium carbonate

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Keep your results for Part 3.

Results and conclusion

Record your observations in a table.

With reference to their structures, what general trends can be deduced about the most
effective solvent for a solute?

For consideration
1

What can you conclude about the likely structure of fluorescein?

Suggest liquids that are likely to be good solvents for:

(a) benzoic acid
(b) C18H36O2
(c) potassium bromide, KBr

How do you think the solubility of the alcohols in (a) water and (b) hexane will increase
with increasing carbon number?

Part 2: The effect of structure on volatility

Method
1

Heat a small sample of the substances listed in Part 1 in a small test tube. Wear eye
protection. If there is no change after 34 minutes, do not continue to heat.

The heating of iodine crystals may be demonstrated in the fume hood.

Keep your results for Part 3.

Results and conclusion

Record your observations in a table.

With reference to their structures, what general trends can be deduced about the effect
of heat on ionic and covalent compounds?

Try to explain the relative volatility of these substances in terms of the forces between
their particles.

For consideration
4

The formula of candle wax varies from C20H42 to C40H82. How would you expect the
volatility to change with increasing carbon number of the sample?

Use your results here to explain why experiments involving organic chemistry often
generate more odour than experiments involving inorganic chemistry.

Part 3: The effect of structure on electrical conductivity

Method
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Using the apparatus provided, carry out a test for electrical conductivity on the solids
used in Parts 1 and 2, their molten forms (where appropriate), and their solutions.

Results and conclusion

Record your observations in a table.

With reference to their structures, what general trends can be deduced about the
electrical conductivity of ionic and covalent compounds as solids, liquids, and in
solution?

Try to explain these properties in terms of the forces between the particles and the
nature of an electric current.

For consideration
6

Consider why it is dangerous to handle electrical equipment with wet hands, even
though pure water is not a conductor of electricity.

Compare your conclusions to all three parts of the experiment with the table on page
155. Try to explain any differences you have observed.

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Equipment list
The substances used in this experiment are suggestions only, and can easily be replaced by
other compounds chosen to represent a range of bonding and structure.

Chemicals / materials
ethanol
hexane
fluorescein dye
urea
candle wax
benzoic acid
oxalic acid
silica
magnesium nitrate
iron(III) sulfate
copper(II) chloride
sodium carbonate

Apparatus (per group of students)

separating funnel and stopper
10 test tubes and stoppers
test tube holder
Bunsen burner
conductivity meter or equivalent

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