EXPERIMENT 8

TYPES OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS

I. Aims
 To demonstrate the different common types of chemical reactions
 To convert chemical reactions into balanced chemical equations

II. Materials and Apparatus/Equipment

A. Apparatus
 Test tubes  Beakers  Bunsen Burners

B. Reagents
Solids
 Magnesium metal  Calcium metal  Zinc metal
 Copper(II)sulfate  Zinc metal  Sodium bicarbonate
pentahydrate  Copper metal

Solutions
 Distilled water  6 M sodium hydroxide
 6 M hydrochloric acid  0.1 M lead(II) nitrate
 0.1 M copper(II) sulfate  0.1 M potassium chromate
 0.1 M zinc sulfate  1 M ammonium nitrate
 0.1 M silver nitrate  6 M sulfuric acid
 0.1 M sodium chloride  Aqueous sodium phosphate
 0.1 M nickel(II) nitrate

III. Activities

A. Combination Reactions (adapted with modifications from Chem 9 manual, Santa Monica College)
1. Obtain a small strip of magnesium metal.
2. Using a crucible tong, ignite the metal in the hot portion of a Bunsen burner flame.
3. Record the observed chemical change and write the balanced equation that represents the
chemical reaction.

B. Decomposition Reactions (adapted with modifications from Chem 9 manual, Santa Monica College)
1. In a test tube, obtain a half teaspoon of solid copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate.
2. Heat the sample tube at approximately 45º angle with respect to the burner flame for 2-3 minutes
3. Record any changes in the appearance of the solid and anything else that appears in the test tube.
4. Cool the sample and add 10 drops of distilled water.
5. Observe and record any changes in the data sheet.
6. Write the balanced equations that represents the chemical reactions.

C. Single Displacement Reactions (adapted with modifications from Chem 9 manual, Santa Monica
College)
1. For all of the enumerated combinations on the next page, use only 1 mL of the specified solution
(unless otherwise stated).
2. Place one piece of the specified metal in the test tube first, and then add the solution. The metal
should be completely immersed in the solution used. Record and observe any changes in the data
sheet.
NOTE:
 If no discernable initial change is noted, let the reaction mixture stand for at least five to ten
minutes before observing again.
 Not all of the combinations will yield observable reactions.
 Combinations:
a. Calcium metal and distilled water (10 mL) in a large test tube
b. Zinc metal and water
c. Zinc metal and 6 M hydrochloric acid
d. Zinc metal and 0.1 M copper(II) sulfate
e. Zinc metal + aqueous lead (II) nitrate
f. Copper metal and 6 M hydrochloric acid
g. Copper metal and 0.1 M zinc sulfate
h. Copper metal and 0.1 M silver nitrate
i. Magnesium metal + sulfuric acid
3. Identify all combinations that yielded reactions and their respective chemical changes.
4. For all combinations that did not yield discernable changes, explain the absence of chemical
reactions.
5. Write the balanced equations for all of the given combinations. For combinations that did not yield
any reaction, write ‘NO REACTION’ in the product side.

D. Double Displacement Reactions (adapted with modifications from Chem 9 manual, Santa Monica
College)
1. Unless otherwise specified, use 1 mL of each of the following solutions. Mix the solutions well.
If results are not obtained immediately, give the reaction some time. Some reactions take longer
than others. All waste is to be disposed of in the appropriate waste container.
a) 0.1 M silver nitrate and 0.1 M sodium chloride
b) 0.1 M nickel(II) nitrate and three drops of 6 M sodium hydroxide
c) 0.1 M lead(II) nitrate and 0.1 M potassium chromate

Record any observed changes in the data sheet.

Write the balanced equations for each of the chemical reactions.

2. Mix 1 mL of 1 M ammonium nitrate and 1 mL of 6 M sodium hydroxide in a test tube.

Warm the test tube gently by passing it back and forth through a burner flame.
Hold a strip of moistened red litmus paper in the tube without letting it come in contact with the
sides of the tube and note any color changes to the paper.
Remove the tube from the flame and cautiously note the odor.

Record all observations in the data sheet.

Write the balanced equation for the chemical reaction.

3. Place 5 mL of 6 M hydrochloric acid in a 100-mL beaker. Carefully add a teaspoon of solid sodium
bicarbonate.
Record and observe any changes in the data sheet.
Write the balanced equation for the chemical reaction.

4. Combine about 1 mL each of 6 M sodium hydroxide and 6 M sulfuric acid in a large test tube. Mix
with a stirring rod. Carefully feel the outside of the test tube.
Record any changes in the data sheet and write the balanced equation for the chemical reaction.