Experiment #1 / Unit 4

Investigating Types of Chemical Reactions

Introduction:
There are different methods of classifying chemical reactions, but they are
most often separated into the following 5 categories: synthesis, decomposition,
single-replacement, double-replacement, and combustion.
Writing and balancing equations is an essential skill that all chemists and
many other scientists must master. Knowing how to recognize the types of
chemical reactions allows us to predict the product(s) produced when given the
reactants.
The objectives for this lab include
 Predicting the products of each reaction considering the reaction type,
reactants, and observations
 Writing balanced chemical equations for each reaction, and
 Providing explanations for what is happening to the atoms/molecules in
each of the reactions.

Procedures:

1. Synthesis Reaction: Corrosion of Iron

1. Pour about 30 mL of vinegar into a 250-mL beaker
2. Measure the room temperature. Record temperature in the Data table.
3. Using forceps, place steel wool pad in vinegar and submerge for 2 min. The
vinegar removes the protective coating from the steel wool and accelerates
oxidation of the iron by providing a good electrolyte through which electrons can
flow.
4. Using gloves, remove the pad, squeeze excess vinegar back into the beaker.
5. Wrap the damp pad around the bulb of the thermometer; use rubber bands to
secure it. Take a photo of the setup; make sure you can read the temperature in
your photo.
6. After 5 min have elapsed, measure and record the temperature.
While waiting, predict the product(s) of this reaction; record in Data Table
7. Open the pad, examine the interior. Record your observations in Data table.

2. Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide

1. Pipet about 5 mL of hydrogen peroxide into a test tube.
2. Using the μspoon, add a “μspoonful” of potassium iodide to the hydrogen
peroxide solution. Potassium iodide acts as a catalyst for this reaction.
3. Observe the reaction. Record your observations in the Data Table.
4. Light a splint. Blow out the flame. Insert the glowing splint into the test tube-
above the solution. Record your splint test observations in the Data Table.

3. Single-Replacement Reaction: Iron and Copper (II) Sulfate

1. Add about 5 mL of copper (II) sulfate solution to a test tube.
2. Carefully, slide the iron nail down the test tube into the solution.
3. Predict and record the products of this reaction (Data Table).
4. Observe the reaction; record observations in the Data Table.

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4. Double-Replacement Reaction: Sodium Bicarbonate and Vinegar
1. Add sodium bicarbonate to fill the bottom of the plastic cup.
2. Add about 15 mL of vinegar to the sodium bicarbonate; gently swirl to mix.
3. Add an additional 15 mL vinegar to the cup. Observe and record your
observations (Data Table). N.B. There are two reactions occurring!!
4. Light a splint and expose the flame to bubbles produced in the reaction.
Record your observations of the splint test.
5. Repeat the flaming splint procedure 2-3 more times. Each time, see if you can
locate the top of the gas layer.
6. Identify the gas produced in this reaction (consider your flame test
observations).

5. Combustion Reaction: Ethanol and Oxygen

1. Pipet 1 mL of ethanol into an evaporating dish.
2. Light a wooden splint; use lit splint to ignite the ethanol in the evaporating dish.
3. Using beaker tongs, invert a 250 mL beaker over the flame in the dish.
Observe the reaction and beaker; record observations in the Data Table.

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