SMK ROSLI DHOBY

SPM PAST YEAR PLANNING EXPERIMENT (2005-2017)

SPM 2005
Plan a laboratory experiment to investigate the effect of alloy formation on the
hardness of a metal

(a) Problem statement : Is bronze harder than copper?

(b) Variable : Manipulated: Pure metal and alloy / Copper and bronze
Responding: Diameter of dent
Constant: Diameter of steel ball bearing//height of the
weight//mass of the weight

(c) Materials : Copper block, bronze block and cellophane tape

Apparatus : Retort stand and clamp, 1 kg weight, steel ball bearing,
metre rule and thread

(d) Procedure :
1. Use cellophane tape to stick a steel ball bearing onto the copper block.
2. Hang a weight at a height of 50 cm above the ball bearing.
3. Drop the weight so that it hits the ball bearing.
4. Measure the diameter of the dent made on the copper block.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 twice on the other parts of the copper block in
order to obtain average value.
6. Record all the readings in the table.
7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 replacing the copper block with the bronze block

(e) Tabulation of data

Type of block Diameter of dents (cm) Average diameter

1 2 3 (cm)
Copper
Bronze

1
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SPM 2006
Plan a laboratory experiment to compare one characteristic for both vulcanized and
unvulcanised rubber.

(a) Aim of the experiment : To compare the elasticity of unvulcanised

rubber and vulcanized rubber.

(b) Variable : Manipulated: Vulcanised and unvulcanised rubber

Responding: Length of rubber strips after removal of
weight //elasticity of rubber strip
Constant: Size of rubber strip//mass of weight

(c) Hypothesis : Vulcanised rubber is more elastic than unvulcanised

rubber

(d) Materials : Vulcanised and unvulcanised rubber

Apparatus : Retort stand and clamps, bulldog clip, metre rule, weights
and thread

(e) Procedure :
1. Hang unvulcalnised rubber strip onto retort stand using bulldog clips.
2. Measure and record the initial length of both rubber strips.
3. Hang a 50g weight to the end of the rubber strip and measure the
length.
4. Remove the weights and measure the length of both rubber strips.
5. Record all the data in the table.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 by using vulcanized rubber strip to replace
unvulcanised rubber strip.

(f) Tabulation of data

Type of rubber Vulcanized rubber Unvulcanized rubber

Initial length (cm)

Length of rubber
when weight is
hung (cm)
Length of rubber
after removal of
weight (cm)

2
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SPM 2007
Plan a laboratory experiment to construct an electrochemical cell to determine one
factor that influences the differences in the voltage.

(a) Statement of problem : How does the distance between two metals
in the electrochemical series affect the voltage produced in a simple voltaic cell?

(b) Variable : Manipulated: Pairs of metals

Responding: Voltage
Constant: Electrolyte used // Copper metal

(c) Hypothesis : The further the distance between two metals in the
electrochemical series, the bigger value of voltage.

(d) Materials : Magnesium strip, aluminium strip, zinc strip, iron strip
copper plate, 1.0 mol dm-3 copper(II) sulphate solution
Apparatus : Connecting wires with crocodile clips, beaker, sandpaper,
and voltmeter

(e) Procedure :
1. Clean all the metals with sandpaper.
2. Fill a beaker with copper(II) sulphate solution until it is two-thirds full.
3. Dip the magnesium strip and copper strip into copper(II) sulphate
solution.
4. Both strips are connected to a voltmeter using connecting wires.
5. Record the reading of voltmeter.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 using other metals as shown in the table to replace
Magnesium strip.

(f) Tabulation of data

Pair of electrodes Voltmeter reading(V)

Magnesium and copper

Aluminium and copper
Zinc and copper
Iron and copper

3
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SPM 2008
Plan a laboratory experiment to investigate the reactivity of lithium, sodium and
potassium with water.

(a) Aim of the experiment : To compare the reactivity of lithium, sodium

and potassium with water.

(b) Variable : Manipulated: Different types of alkali metals

Responding: Reactivity of alkali metals // The speed of
the movement of alkali metal on water
Constant: Size of alkali metals// water

(c) Hypothesis : When going down group 1, alkali metals become more
reactive in their reactions with water

(d) Materials : Small piece of lithium, sodium and potassium, filter

papers, water, red litmus paper
Apparatus : basin, forceps, and small knife

(e) Procedure :
1. Cut a small piece of lithium using knife and forceps
2. Wipe the oil on the surface of the lithium with filter papers.
3. Using forceps, drop the lithium onto water surface in a basin.
4. Observe and record the reactivity of lithium with water
5. Repeat steps 1 to 5 using sodium and potassium respectively to
replace lithium.

(f) Tabulation of data

Type of alkali metals Observation

Lithium
Sodium
Potassium

4
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SPM 2009
Plan a laboratory experiment to determine the relationship between concentration of
nitric acid and pH value.

(a) Problem statement : What is the relationship between concentration of

nitric acid and the pH values?

(b) Variable : Manipulated: Concentration of nitric acid

Responding: pH values
Constant: Nitric acid

(c) Hypothesis : When the concentration of nitric acid increases, the pH

value decreases.

(d) Materials : 0.1 mol dm-3, 0.01 mol dm-3, 0.001 mol dm-3,
0.0001 mol dm-3 of nitric acid
Apparatus : Beaker, pH meter, measuring cylinder

(e) Procedure :
1. Measure 100 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 nitric acid by using a measuring
cylinder.
2. Pour the nitric acid into a dry beaker.
3. Dip a pH meter into solution of nitric acid.
4. Record the pH value shown by pH meter.
5. Steps 1 to 4 are repeated by using 0.01 mol dm -3, 0.001 mol dm-3,
0.0001 modm-3 of nitric acid respectively to replace 0.01 mol dm -3 of
nitric acid.

(f) Tabulation of data

Concentration of nitric 0.1 0.01 0.001 0.0001

acid (mol dm-3)
pH value

5
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SPM 2010
Plan a laboratory experiment to investigate the effect of a catalyst on the rate of
reaction between a metal and acid. Use copper(II) sulphate solution as the catalyst.

(a) Aim of the experiment : To investigate the effect of a catalyst on the rate
of reaction between zinc and sulphuric acid

(b) Variable : Manipulated: The presence of copper(II) sulphate

solution
Responding: Rate of reaction
Constant: Volume and concentration of sulphuric acid,
size of zinc and type of acid

(c) Hypothesis : The presence of catalyst/copper(II) sulphate solution

increases the rate of reaction between zinc and sulphuric
acid

(d) Materials : Zinc strip, 0.1 mol dm-3 sulphuric acid, copper(II) sulphate
solution, water

Apparatus : Measuring cylinder, conical flask, stopper with delivery

tube, Basin, burette, and stopwatch

(e) Procedure :
1. Fill a basin with water.
2. Fill a burette with water and invert it over a water in a basin.
3. Clamp the burette using a retort stand and record its initial burette
reading.
4. Measure 25 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 sulphuric acid using measuring
cylinder and pour the acid into a conical flask.
5. Close the conical flask immediately with a stopper which is joined to
the delivery tube. Start the stopwatch.
6. Record the burette readings at intervals of 30 seconds until the
reaction stops
7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 by adding 5 cm3 of copper(II) sulphate solution.

(f) Tabulation of data

Experiment I : without copper(II) sulphate solution
Time/s 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240
Burette
readings /
3
cm
Volume of
3
gas/cm
Experiment I : with copper(II) sulphate solution
Time/s 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240
Burette
readings /
cm3
Volume of
gas/cm3
6
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SPM 2011
Plan a laboratory experiment to construct the ionic equation for the formation of
lead(II) iodide as given in the above ionic equation.

(a) Problem statement : How to construct an ionic equation for the

formation of lead(II) iodide?

(b) Variable : Manipulated: Volume of potassium iodide solution

Responding: Height of yellow precipitate
Constant: Size of the test tubes//volume and
concentration lead(II) nitrate solution//concentration of
potassium iodide solution//temperature

(c) Hypothesis : When the volume of potassium iodide solution used

increases, the height of the yellow precipitate increase
gradually until become constant.

(d) Materials : 0.1 mol dm-3 lead(II) nitrate solution, 0.5 mol dm-3
potassium iodide solution
Apparatus : Ruler, Test tubes, Test tube rack, Stopper, Burette

(e) Procedure :
1. Label test tubes // put test tube in the rack.
2. Pour 5 cm3 of lead nitrate solution into the test tubes.
3. Pour 1 cm3 of potassium iodide into the first test tube, 2 cm3 of potassium
iodide into the second test tube until the 8 test tube with 8 cm 3 of potassium
iodide solution.
*[must repeated]
4. Stopper each test tube and shake the test tube.
5. Leave/put aside the test tube.
6. Measure and record the heights of precipitate.

(f) Tabulation of data

Test tube 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Volume of (potassium
iodide) /(lead nitrate) (cm3)

Height of precipitate(cm)

SPM 2012
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Plan a laboratory experiment to study the presence of water in showing the property
of an alkali.

(a) Problem statement : Does the presence of water show the properties of
an alkali?

(b) Variable : Manipulated: Presence of water//Type of solvents

Responding: Change in colour of litmus paper
Constant: Calcium hydroxide/litmus paper

(c) Hypothesis : Presence of water (causes the red litmus paper turn blue
/ Shows alkaline properties // absence of water does not
change the red litmus paper / show alkaline properties)

(d) Materials : [soluble metal hydroxide or metal oxide//ammonia],

water, red litmus paper
Apparatus : test tubes, spatula (for solid), test tube, OR
stopper (only for ammonia)

(e) Procedure :
1. Put [one spatula] [calcium hydroxide] into different test tubes // any container.
2. Pour water into one of the test tubes .
3. Shake
4. Put red litmus paper into each test tube.
5. Record any observation.

(f) Tabulation of data

Alkali Observation
Calcium hydroxide / Ca(OH)2
Calcium hydroxide in water /
Ca(OH)2 in water

SPM 2013
8
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Plan a laboratory experiment to study solubility of sulphate salts in water. You are
required to use two examples of soluble sulphate salts and two examples of
insoluble salts.

(a) Problem statement : Are sulphate salts soluble/insoluble in water?//

What is the solubility of sulphate salt in water?

(b) Hypothesis : Some sulphate salts are soluble/insoluble in water

while some are not//
All sulphates salts are soluble in water except [any
insoluble sulphate salts]//

(c) Variable : Manipulated: Sulphate salts // [at least two soluble or

insoluble sulphate salts

Responding: Solubility of sulphate salts in water

Constant: Volume of water// mass of salt// solvent/water

(d) Materials : Copper(II) sulphate, Magnesium sulphate, Lead(II)

sulphate , Calcium sulphate, Water
[Any two soluble sulphate salts and two insoluble
sulphate salts]

Apparatus : Beaker/Test tube/Boiling tube //

Spatula //
Stirrer/ stopper/ glass rod

(e) Procedure :
1. Pour [suitable quantity] of water into a [container]
2. Put [suitable quantity] of copper(II) sulphate into the[container]
3. Stir / Shake the mixture
4. Record the observations
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 using magnesium sulphate, calcium sulphate and lead(II)
sulphate

(f) Tabulation of data

Salt Observation/ solubility

[sulphate salt]

[sulphate salt]

SPM 2014

9
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(a) Problem statement : Does hydrocarbon X and hydrocarbon Y/ alkane

and alkene / any name of alkane and alkene react
with / decolourise bromine water? //

(b) Variable : Manipulated: Hydrocarbon X, hydrocarbon Y // Hexane,

hexene // Type of hydrocarbon // Alkane and alkene

Responding: Colour change of bromine //

Decolourisation of bromine // React with bromine

Constant: Volume and concentration of bromine //

Volume of hydrocarbon // Types of reagent

(c) Hypothesis : Hydrocarbon X / Y decolourises the colour of bromine

water while hydrocarbon Y / X does not

(d) Materials : Hydrocarbon X, hydrocarbon Y // Hexane , hexene //

Bromine water

Apparatus : Test tube/ boiling tube , dropper, stopper

(e) Procedure :
1. Pour / Add / Fill hydrocarbon X into a test tube / boiling tube.
[a : Volume 1 - 5 cm3]
2. Add [2- 5 drops] / few drops of bromine water.
[a: Volume 1 - 2] cm3
3. Shake the mixture.
[r: mix / stir / swirl]
4. Record any observation.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 by replacing hydrocarbon X with hydrocarbon Y.

(f) Tabulation of data

Hydrocarbon Observation

X / Hexane

Y / Hexene

SPM 2015

10
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Plan a laboratory experiment to compare the effect of a named metal that causes rusting and a
named metal to prevent rusting.

(a) Problem statement : How do different types of metals in contact with iron
affect rusting? // How do [zinc] more electropositive metal and [copper] less electropositive
metal when in contacting with iron affect rusting? // How do above metal iron and below iron
in the electrochemical series when in contacting with iron affect rusting?

(b) Variable : Manipulated: Different metals in contact with iron // Zinc and
copper

Responding: Rusting / Corrosion of iron // Presence of blue

colour

Constant: Iron nail // Potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) / (II) //

Types of reagent

(c) Hypothesis : When a more electropositive metal is in contact with iron, the
metal inhibits rusting whereas when a less electropositive metal is in contact with iron, the
metal causes rusting / blue colour formed

(d) Materials : Iron nail, Magnesium (Zinc / Aluminium), Lead ( Tin / Copper)

Jelly / Gelatine and Potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) / (II)

solution

Apparatus : Test tube / Boiling tube / Petri dish / Beaker

Test tube rack and Sand paper

(e) Procedure :
1. Clean / Remove / Polish iron nail, magnesium and copper with sandpaper.

2. Coil / Wrap iron nail with magnesium and another iron nail with copper.

3. Put / Place the iron nail in separate test tube. [r: Drop]

4. Pour / Add jelly containing potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) / (II) solution and

phenolphthalein into each test tube. [r : Put]

5. Leave the test tubes for one day. [r : few minutes]

6. Record the observation

(f) Tabulation of data

Types of metals Observation

Magnesium

Copper

SPM 2016

11
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To construct the electrochemical series using the principle of displacement of metals

by using four named different metals and suitable salt solutions.

Problem statement How can the electrochemical series of metals be

constructed based on the displacement of metals?

Hypothesis More electropositive metal can displace less electropositive

metal from its salt solution.

Variables Manipulated : Type of metals // Type of metals and salt solution

Responding : Deposition of metal//colour change of the
solution
Fixed : concentration and volume of the solution

Materials Magnesium nitrate solution, zinc nitrate solution, iron (II) nitrate
solution, copper(II) nitrate solution, magnesium strips, zinc strip,
iron and copper strip

Apparatus Test tube, test tube rack and sandpaper

Procedure 1. Clean all the metal strips with sandpaper

2. Pour magnesium nitrate solution into four separate test
tubes.
3. Place a strip of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper into each
test tube.
4. Record all the observations in the table.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 using zinc nitrate solution, iron (II) nitrate
solution and copper(II) nitrate solution to replace magnesium
nitrate solution.
6. Record all observations in the table

Tabulation of data

Salt solution Zinc nitrate Magnesium Iron(II)nitrate Copper(II)

solution nitrate solution nitrate
solution solution

Metal

zinc x / /

iron X x /

copper X X x

magnesium / / /

SPM 2017

12
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"Plan a laboratory experimentTo study effectiveness cleaning agents in hard water"

a) Problem statement : Is detergent more effective than that of soap in

hard water?

OR Aim of the experiment : To compare the effectiveness of cleansing

action of soap and detergent in hard water.

(b) Hypothesis : Detergent is more effective than soap in hard water

(c) Variable : Manipulated: Soap and detergent solutions

Responding: Effectiveness of cleaning agents in hard
water / Removal of stain // Presence of scum
Constant: Cloth with oily stains// volume of hard water
//Mass / volume of soap and detergent // Hard water

(d) Materials : Detergent solution, soap solution, cloths with oily stains,
hard water(magnesium sulphate solution)
Apparatus : Beakers and measuring cylinder
(spatula is required is cleaning agents is in solid form)
(e) Procedure :
1. Pour [50 - 200 cm3] of hard water into a [suitable container]

a : half fill of hard water into the basin

2. Pour [50 - 200 cm3] of soap into the [container].

a : any volume or mass

3. Put / Place / Dip / Immerse a piece of oily stained cloth into the

container.

4. Clean / Stir / Scrub / Brush / Wash / Rub the cloth.

5. Record the observation.

6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 using detergent.

(f)

Type of cleaning agents Observation

Soap solution
detergent solution

FORM 4 PLANNING EXPERIMENTS

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QUESTION 1
Plan a laboratory experiment to show the rate of diffusion depends on temperature.

(a) Problem statement : How does the temperature affect the rate of
diffusion of bromine gas?
OR Aim of the experiment : To study the effect of temperature on
the rate of diffusion of bromine gas.

(b) Hypothesis : The higher the temperature, the higher the rate of
diffusion of bromine gas.

(c) Variable : Manipulated: Temperature

Responding: Rate of diffusion of bromine gas / Time
taken for gas to spread fully into second gas jar
Constant: Size of gas jar / Liquid bromine

(d) Materials : Liquid bromine

Apparatus : Gas jars, gas jar cover, Droppers, Bunsen burner,
Stopwatch

(e) Procedure :
1. Using a dropper, put 5 drops of liquid bromine into a gas jar.
2. Cover the gas jar immediately and left aside for a few minutes.
3. Invert another gas jar full of air on the top of the gas jar full of bromine
vapour.
4. Remove the cover.
5. The time taken for brown gas to spread fully into second gas jar is
recorded.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 by heating the gas jar.

(f) Tabulation of data

Temperature of bromine vapour Time taken (s)

Room temperature
High temperature

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QUESTION 2
PLAN AN EXPERIMENT TO COMPARE THE REACTIVITY OF GROUP 1 METALS
WITH CHLORINE GAS / OXYGEN GAS (SAME EXPERIMENT)

(a) Problem statement : How does the reactivity of group 1 metals change
when reacts with chlorine gas/oxygen gas?
OR Aim of the experiment : To compare/study the reactivity of group 1
elements with chlorine gas/oxygen gas

(b) Hypothesis : The lower the position of group 1 elements, the higher the
reactivity of group 1 element in their reaction with chlorine
gas/oxygen gas

(c) Variable : Manipulated: Different types of alkali metals

Responding: Reactivity of alkali metals / The brightness
of the flame
Constant: Temperature / Size of alkali metals

(d) Materials : Lithium, sodium, potassium, chlorine gas/oxygen gas,

filter paper
Apparatus: Gas jars, gas jar spoons, gas jar covers, small knife and Bunsen
burner.

(e) Procedure :
1. Cut a small piece of lithium using a knife and forceps.
2. Wipe the oil on the surface of the lithium with filter paper.
3. Put the lithium in a gas jar spoon.
4. Heat the lithium strongly until it burns.
5. Quickly move the gas jar spoon into a gas jar filled with chlorine gas/oxygen
gas.
6. Record all the observations in the table.

(f) Tabulation of data

Alkali metals Observation

Lithium
Sodium
Potassium

QUESTION 3

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TO STUDY THE PROPERTIES OF THE OXIDES OF ELEMENTS IN PERIOD 3

(a) Problem statement : How do the acid-base properties of the oxides of

elements change across Period 3?

OR Aim of the experiment : To sudy the acid-base properties of the

oxides of elements across Period 3.

(b) Hypothesis : Magnesium oxide dissolve in an acid, aluminium oxide

dissolve in both acid and alkali and phosphorus pentoxide
dissolve in an alkali

(c) Variable : Manipulated: Types of oxide of elements in Period 3.

Responding: Solubility of the oxides in acid or alkali
Constant: Nitric acid and sodium hydroxide solution
Volume and concentration of nitric acid and
sodium hydroxide solution

(d) Materials : Magnesium oxide, Aluminium oxide and Phosphorus

pentoxide
Apparatus: Test tubes, spatula, glass rod, Bunsen burner, Test tube
holder, test tube rack

(e) Procedure :
1. 5 cm3 of 2 mol dm-3 nitric acid and 5 cm3 of 2 mol dm-3 sodium hydroxide
solution are placed in two separate test tubes.
2. Using a spatula, magnesium oxide is added into each of the test tubes.
3. The test tubes are warmed and stirred with a glass rod until no further
change.
4. Observe and record the solubility of the oxide in nitric acid and sodium
hydroxide.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 5 using aluminium oxide and phosphorus pentoxide
respectively to replace magnesium oxide.

(f) Tabulation of data

Oxide of elements Solubility

in nitric acid in sodium hydroxide
solution
Magnesium oxide
Aluminium oxide
Phosphorus pentoxide

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QUESTION 4
Acetamide is a covalent compound
Lead(II) bromide is an ionic compound
PLAN AN EXPERIMENT TO COMPARE THE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF
THE TWO SUBSTANCES

(a) Problem statement : Which of the compounds, acetamide or lead(II)

bromide conducts electricity in the molten state?

OR Aim of the experiment : To compare/study the electrical conductivity

of acetamide compound and lead(II)
bromide compound in their molten state

(b) Hypothesis : Lead(II) bromide conducts electricity in the molten state

while acetamide cannot conduct electricity in the molten
state.

(c) Variable : Manipulated: Acetamide and lead(II) bromide

Responding: Electrical conductivity of the compounds in
the molten state
Constant: Types of electrode

(d) Materials : Acetamide, lead(II) bromide

Apparatus: Crucible, carbon electrodes, batteries, connecting wires, bunsen
burner, pipe-clay triangle, bulb

(e) Procedure :
1. A crucible is filled with acetamide powder until it is half full.
2. The crucible is placed on a pipe-clay triangle on the tripod stand.
3. The acetamide powder is heated until it is completely melted.
4. Two carbon electrodes are dipped into the molten acetamide and electrodes
are connected to the batteries and bulb using connecting wires.
5. The observation on whether the bulb glows is recorded.
6. Steps 1 to 5 are repeated by using lead(II) bromide to replace acetamide.

(f) Tabulation of data

Substances Observation
Acetamide
Lead(II) bromide

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QUESTION 5
Electrolysis of copper(II) sulphate by using copper electrodes and carbon
electrodes

Problem statement : How do the types of electrodes affect the products of

electrolysis of copper (II) sulphate solution?

Hypothesis : When copper electrodes are used instead of carbon

electrodes, types of products formed at the anode are different.

Manipulated variable: Different types of electrodes.

Responding variable : Products formed at the anode // Mass of anode

Fixed variable : Concentration of aqueous copper(II) suphate solution//Type

of electrolyte

Apparatus : Beaker, carbon electrodes, copper electrodes, ammeter,

connecting wires with crocodile clips, sandpaper, electronic balance and batteries

Materials : Aqueous copper(II) sulphate 1 mol dm -3

Procedure :
1. Clean the carbon electrode using sand paper.
2. Weigh carbon electrode serve as anode and cathode using electronic balance and
record the readings.
3. Pour 1 mol dm-3 copper (II) sulphate solution into a beaker until half full.
4. Connect carbon electrodes to the batteries and ammeter using connecting wires.
5. Dip the both electrodes into copper(II) sulphate solution.
6. Complete the circuit and allow current flow for about 20 minutes.
7. After 20 minutes, remove the anode and cathod, rinse with distilled water and dry
it. Then weigh again.
8. Repeat steps 1 to 7 by using with copper electrodes to replace the carbon
electrodes.

Observation :
Cathod Anode Mass of the anode (g)
e
Before After
Carbon Carbon
Copper Copper

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QUESTION 6
Investigate the factor of concentration of ions on the selective discharge of
ions at the electrodes

Problem statement : How does the concentration of ions in hydrochloric acid affect
the discharge of ions at the anode?

Hypothesis : When the concentration of chloride ion is higher, the chloride

ion will be selectively discharged at the anode.

Manipulated variable: Concentration of chloride ion

Responding variable : Products of electrolysis at the anode//Types of Ions

discharged at the anode.

Fixed variable : Type of electrode//Type of electrolyte//duration of electrolysis

Apparatus : Electrolytic cells, carbon electrodes, ammeter, connecting

wires with crocodile clips, batteries and wooden splinter

Materials : 1.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid, 0.001 mol dm-3 hydrochloric
acid, blue and red litmus paper

Procedure :
1. The cell is filled up with 1.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid until its level is above the
electrode .
2. Fill two test tubes with 1.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid until full and invert it over the
each carbon electrodes
3. The electrodes are connected to the batteries and ammeter using connecting
wires.
4. Complete the circuit and allow current flow for about 20 minutes.
5. Collect the gas produced at the anode and test with moist blue and red litmus
paper and a glowing splinter.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 by using 0.001 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid.

Observation :
Electrolyte Observation at the anode

1.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric

acid
0.001 mol dm-3 hydrochloric
acid

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QUESTION 7
Aim To investigate the role of water in showing the properties of
acids

Problem Statement Does the presence of water can show the acidic properties of
an acid?

Hypothesis An acid will show its acidic properties when dissolved in water.

Variables Manipulated : Types of solvents

Responding : Change in colour of blue litmus paper
Fixed : Type of acid and litmus paper

Materials Glacial ethanoic acid, aqueous solution of ethanoic acid,

solution of ethanoic acid in dry propanone , blue litmus paper.

9Apparatus Test tube, dropper, glass rod

Procedure 1. A piece of dry blue litmus paper is placed into a test tube.
2. A dropper is used to draw up some dry glacial ethanoic acid.
3. A few drops of glacial ethanoic acid are placed onto the blue
litmus paper into the test tube.
4. The change of the colour on the blue litmus paper is observed
and recorded.
5. Steps 1 to 4 are repeated by using ethanoic acid in water ,
glacial ethanoic acid in dry propanone to replace glacial
ethanoic acid.
6. The observations are tabulated.

Tabulation of data
Type of acid Observation
Glacial ethanoic acid
Ethanoic acid in water
Glacial ethanoic acid in dry
propanone

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QUESTION 8
Aim To compare the rate of rusting of iron, steel and stainless steel.

Problem Statement How does the rate of rusting of iron, steel and stainless steel
differ?

Hypothesis Iron rust faster than steel, and steel rusts faster than stainless
steel.

Variables Manipulated : Different types of nails

Responding : Intensity of blue colour
Fixed : Size of nails, concentration of solution used

Materials Iron nail, steel nail, stainless steel nail, jelly solution, potassium
hexacyanoferrate(III) solution, water, sandpaper

Apparatus Test tubes, test tube rack and dropper

Procedure 1. Clean the nails using sand paper.

2. Place the iron nail into test tube A, the steel nail into test tube
B, and the stainless steel nail in test tube C.
3. Prepare hot jelly solution and add few drops of potassium
hexacyanoferrate(III) solution to the jelly solution.
4. Pour the hot jelly solution into three test tubes until all the
nails are fully immersed.
5. Put the test tubes in a test tube rack and left aside for three
days.
6. Observe and record the intensity of blue colour.

Tabulation of data
Test tube Intensity of blue colour
A (Iron nail)
B (Steel nail)
C (Stainless steel nail)

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EXAMPLE PLANNING EXPERIMENT

1. Two students are discussing about the uses of electrolysis process to solve
their problem.

Why my spoon rusts easily?

Mengapa sudu yang saya guna ini cepat Why not you electroplate it with
berkarat? silver or copper?

Mengapa awak tak menyadurnya

dengan argentum?

Based on the above situation, plan a laboratory experiment to electroplate an

iron spoon with silver metal and copper metal using the electrolysis process.
You are given silver nitrate solution and copper (II) nitrate solution.

Your planning must include the following items:

(a) Problem statement
(b) All the variables
(c) Statement of the hypothesis
(d) List of materials and apparatus
(e) Procedure of the experiment
(f) Tabulation of data
[17 marks]

Questio
Rubric Score
n

[ Able to give the statement of the problem correctly]

Example :
How can an iron spoon be electroplated with silver and 3
copper through electrolysis?

[ Able to give the statement of the problem incorrectly ]

1(a) Example :
To study/ determine the electrolysis process to electroplate 2
an iron spoon with silver and copper.

[ Able to give an idea of statement of the problem ]

Example : 1
To study the process/ uses of electrolysis

[ No response or wrong response] 0

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Questio
n Rubric Score

[ Able to state All variables correctly ]

Example :
Manipulated variable : Silver metal with silver nitrate solution
3
and copper metal with copper(II) nitrate solution
Responding variable : Deposition of metal on the iron spoon
1(b)
Constant variable : Iron spoon and concentration of
electrolyte
[ Able to state any two variables correctly ] 2
[ Able to state any one variables correctly ] 1
[ No response or wrong response] 0

Questio
n Rubric Score

[Able to state the relationship between the manipulated

variable and the responding variable correctly]
Example :
If copper metal is used at the anode, iron spoon will be 3
electroplated with copper,
If silver metal is used at the anode, iron spoon will be
electroplated with silver.
[Able to state the relationship between the manipulated
1(c) variable and the responding variable incorrectly]
Example :
2
If copper/silver metal is used at the anode, iron spoon will be
electroplated with copper/silver //The different of electroplating
metal at cathode, the different metal of anode
[Able to state an idea of hypothesis]
Example : 1
Electroplating is affected by the type of anode
[ No response or wrong response] 0

Questio
n Rubric Score

1(d) [ Able to give the list of the apparatus and materials correctly
and completely]
Example :
Materials : Silver nitrate solution, copper (II) nitrate solution,
3
iron spoon, silver, copper, sand paper
Apparatus : beaker, connecting wire with crocodile clip,
ammeter, battery

[ Able to give at least two substances and at least two 2

apparatus]
[ Able to give at least one substance and at least one 1
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 24

apparatus
[ No response or wrong response] 0

Questio
n Rubric Score

[ Able to state all procedures correctly ]

Example :
1. Clean silver, copper and iron poon with sandpaper.
2. 50 cm3 silver nitrate solution is measured and poured into a
beaker.
3. Silver is connected to positive terminal of the battery while
1(e) the iron spoon is connected to negative terminal of
battery. // Silver act as anode while the iron spoon act as 3
cathode.
4. Pair of silver and iron spoon is immersed into silver nitrate
solution.
5. Complete the circuit and allow the current flow for 20
minutes.
6. Any changes at the electrode is observed.
7. Repeat steps 1 to 5 using copper(II)nitrate solution and
copper metal.
[ Able to state 5 steps of procedures correctly ] 2
Steps 1,3, 5,6
[ Able to state 3 steps of procedures correctly ] 1
Steps 1,3
[No response or wrong response] 0

Questio Rubric Score

n
Able to exhibit the tabulation of data that includes the 2
following information.
1(f) columns and rows
observation at the iron spoon and silver/copper metal
Example :

Type of metal Observation at iron spoon

at the anode
Copper
Silver

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 25

Able to tabulate the data incompletely

Example :

Anode Observation 1

[No response or wrong respons]

0

FORM 5 PLANNING EXPERIMENTS

QUESTION 1
“A small sized charcoal is easier to light up compared to a big-sized charcoal”
Based on situation above, plan a laboratory experiment to investigate the effect of the size of
reactants on the rate of reaction between a named metal and a named of acid.

(a) Problem statement : How does the size of the solid reactant affect the rate
of reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid?
OR Aim of the experiment : To study the effect of size of the reactant
on the rate of reaction between zinc and
hydrochloric acid.

(b) Hypothesis : When the total surface area of zinc becomes larger // When
the size of zinc becomes smaller, the rate of reaction increases

(c) Variable : Manipulated: Size of zinc

Responding: Rate of reaction
Constant: Volume and concentration of hydrochloric
acid/Temperature/Mass of zinc

(d) Materials :Zinc granules, zinc powder, 0.1 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid and water
Apparatus :Conical flask, basin, rubber stopper with delivery tube,
measuring cylinder, burette, electronic balance, stopwatch and retort
stand and clamp

(e) Procedure :
1. Fill a basin with water.
2. Fill a burette with water and invert it over water in a basin.
3. Clamp the burette using retort stand and record its initial burette reading.
4. Measure 40 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid using a measuring
cylinder and pour the acid into a conical flask.
5. Weigh 2 g of zinc granules and put the zinc granules into the conical flask.
6. Close the conical flask immediately with a stopper which is joined with
delivery tube and start the stopwatch.
7. Swirl the conical flask throughout the experiment.
8. Record the burette readings at intervals of 30 seconds until the reaction
stops.
9. Repeat steps 1 to 6 using 2 g of zinc powder to replace 2 g of zinc granules.

(f) Tabulation of data

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Experiment I : using zinc granules

Time/s 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240
Burette
readings /
cm3
Volume of
gas/cm3

Experiment II : using zinc powder

Time/s 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240
Burette
readings /
cm3
Volume of
gas/cm3

QUESTION 2
TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE OF SODIUM THIOSULPHATE
SOLUTION ON THE RATE OF REACTION

(a) Problem statement : How does different temperature of sodium

thiosulphate solution affect the rate of reaction?

(b) Hypothesis : The higher the temperature of sodium thiosulphate

solution, the higher the rate of reaction / the shorter the
time taken for the ‘X’ mark to disappear from view.

(c) Variable :
Manipulated: Temperature of sodium thiosulphate solution
Responding: Rate of reaction
Constant: Volume and concentration of sulphuric acid/size of conical
flask/ Volume and concentration of sodium thiosulphate solution

(d) Materials : 0.2 mol dm-3 sodium thiosulphate solution, 1.0 mol dm -3
sulphuric acid, a piece of white paper marked ‘X’ at the
centre
Apparatus: Conical flask, stopwatch, 50 cm3 measuring cylinder,10 cm3
measuring cylinder, thermometer, Bunsen burner, tripod stand
and wire gauze

(e) Procedure :
1. Using 50 cm3 measuring cylinder, measure 50 cm3 of 0.2 mol dm-3 sodium
thioulphate solution and pour it into a conical flask.
2. Measure and record the temperature of the solution.
3. Place the conical flask on top of a piece of white paper marked ‘X’ at the centre.
4. Measure 5 cm3 of 1.0mol dm-3 sulphuric acid using 10 cm3 measuring cylinder
and pour it into the conical flask. At the same time, start the stopwatch.
5. Swirl the mixture in the conical flask. Observe the ’X’ mark vertically from the top
of the conical flask.
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6. Stop the stopwatch once the ‘X’ mark disappears from view. Record the time
taken.
7. Repeat steps 1 to 5 using same volume and concentration of sodium
thiosulphate solution at 40oC, 50oC, 60oC, and 70oC by heating the solution
before adding the sulphuric acid.

(f) Tabulation of data

Experiment Temperature / oC Time taken for ‘X’ 1/time(s-1)
mark to disappear
from view /s
1 30
2 40
3 50
4 60
5 70

QUESTION 3
TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF CONCENTRATION OF SODIUM THIOSULPHATE
SOLUTION ON THE RATE OF REACTION

(a) Problem statement : How does different concentration of sodium

thiosulphate solution affect the rate of reaction?

(b) Hypothesis : The higher the concentration of sodium thiosulphate

solution, the higher the rate of reaction / the shorter the
time taken for the ‘X’ mark to disappear from view.

(c) Variable :
Manipulated: Concentration of sodium thiosulphate solution
Responding: Rate of reaction
Constant: Volume and concentration of sulphuric acid/size of conical
flask/Temperature / Volume of sodium thiosulphate solution

(d) Materials : 0.2 mol dm-3 sodium thiosulphate solution, 1.0 mol dm -3
sulphuric acid, a piece of white paper marked ‘X’ at the
centre
Apparatus: Conical flask, stopwatch, 50 cm3 measuring cylinder, and
10 cm3 measuring cylinder

(e) Procedure :
1. Using 50 cm3 measuring cylinder, measure 50 cm 3 of 0.2 mol dm-3 sodium
thiosulphate solution and pour it into a conical flask.
2. Place the conical flask on top of a piece of white paper marked ‘X’ at the
centre.
3. Measure 5 cm3 of 1.0mol dm-3 sulphuric acid using 10 cm3 measuring
cylinder and pour it into the conical flask. At the same time, start the
stopwatch.
4. Swirl the mixture in the conical flask. Observe the ’X’ mark vertically from
the top of the conical flask.

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 28

5. Stop the stopwatch once the ‘X’ mark disappears from view. Record the
time taken.
6. Repeat steps1 to 6 by using different concentration of sodium thiosulphate
solution, 0.16 mol dm-3, 0.12 mol dm-3, 0.08 mol dm-3, 0.04 mol dm -3 to
replace 0.2 mol dm-3.
(f) Tabulation of data

Experiment Concentration of sodium Time taken for ‘X’ mark 1/time, s-1
thiosulphate solution to disappear from
/mol dm-3 view, t /s
1 0.2
2 0.16
3 0.12
4 0.08
5 0.04

QUESTION 4
“An increase in the amount of catalyst will provide a larger total surface area for the
reactants in a chemical reaction. How will this affect the rate of reaction?”
Based on situation above, plan a laboratory experiment to investigate the effect of the
amount of catalyst on the rate of reaction.

(a) Problem statement : How does the difference mass of manganese(IV) oxide
as a catalyst affect the rate of decomposition
of hydrogen peroxide?
OR Aim of the experiment: To study the effect of different mass of manganese(IV)
oxide powder as catalyst on the rate of decomposition
of hydrogen peroxide

(b) Hypothesis : When the mass of manganese(IV) oxide powder increases,

the rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide increases

(c) Variable : Manipulated: Different mass of manganese(IV) oxide

Responding: Rate of reaction
Constant: Volume and concentration of hydrogen peroxide
// Temperature

(d) Materials : 2-volume hydrogen peroxide solution, manganese(IV)

oxide powder
Apparatus : Conical flask, basin, rubber stopper with delivery tube, spatula,
weighing bottle, measuring cylinder, burette, electronic
balance, stopwatch and retort stand and clamp

(e) Procedure :
1. Fill a basin with water.
2. A burette is filled with water and invert the burette over water in a basin.
3. Clamp the burette using retort stand and record its initial burette reading.
4. Measure 50 cm3 of 2-volume hydrogen peroxide and pour it into a conical
flask.
5. Weigh 0.5 g of manganese(IV) oxide powder and add it into the conical flask.
6. Close the conical flask immediately with a stopper which is joined with
delivery tube and start the stopwatch.
7. Swirl the conical flask throughout the experiment.

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 29

8. Record the burette readings at intervals of 30 seconds until the reaction

stops.
9. Repeat steps 1 to 8 using 1 g of manganese(IV) oxide powder to replace
0.5 g of manganese(IV) oxide powder.

(f) Tabulation of data

Experiment I : Decomposition of H2O2 with 0.5 g of manganese(IV) oxide powder

Time/s 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240
Burette readings /
cm3
Volume of
gas/cm3

Experiment II : Decomposition of H2O2 with 1.0 g of manganese(IV) oxide powder

Time/s 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240
Burette readings /
cm3
Volume of
gas/cm3

QUESTION 5
“The rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide which is catalysed by manganese(IV) oxide
depends on its concentration”.
You are required to plan a laboratory experiment to investigate the effect of concentration of
hydrogen peroxide on its rate of decomposition.

(a) Problem statement : How does the concentration of hydrogen peroxide

affect on its rate of decomposition?

(b) Hypothesis : When the concentration of hydrogen peroxide solution

increases, the rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide increases.

(c) Variable : Manipulated: Concentration of hydrogen peroxide

Responding: Rate of reaction
Constant: Manganese(IV) Oxide // Temperature // Mass of
manganese(IV) oxide

(d) Materials : 2-volume hydrogen peroxide solution, 4-volume hydrogen

peroxide solution and manganese(IV) oxide powder
Apparatus : Conical flask, basin, rubber stopper with delivery tube, spatula,
weighing bottle, measuring cylinder, burette, electronic
balance, stopwatch and retort stand and clamp

(e) Procedure :
1. Fill a basin with water.
2. A burette is filled with water and invert the burette over water in a basin.
3. Clamp the burette using retort stand and record its initial burette reading.
4. Measure 50 cm3 of 2-volume hydrogen peroxide and pour it into a conical
flask.
5. Weigh 0.5 g of manganese(IV) oxide powder and add it into the conical flask.
6. Close the conical flask immediately with a stopper which is joined with
delivery tube and start the stopwatch.
7. Swirl the conical flask throughout the experiment.

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 30

8. Record the burette readings at intervals of 30 seconds until the reaction

stops.
9. Repeat steps 1 to 8 using 4-volume of hydrogen peroxide solution to replace
2-volume of hydrogen peroxide solution.
.

(f) Tabulation of data

Experiment I : Using 2-volume of hydrogen peroxide

Time/s 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240
Burette readings /
cm3
Volume of
gas/cm3

Experiment II : Using 4-volumer of hydrogen peroxide

Time/s 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240
Burette readings /
cm3
Volume of
gas/cm3

QUESTION 6
TO INVESTIGATE THE COAGULATION OF LATEX

(a) Problem statement : How does presence of acid and alkali affect the
coagulation of latex?
OR Aim of the experiment : To study the coagulation of latex by action
of acid and the prevention of the
coagulation of latex by alkali.

(b) Hypothesis : Addition of acid can coagulates latex while addition of

alkali can prevent latex from coagulating

(c) Variable :
Manipulated: Presence of ethanoic acid and ammonia solution
Responding: Coagulation of latex/ Formation of lump of solid
Constant: Volume of latex / Latex

(d) Materials : Latex, ethanoic acid, ammonia solution

Apparatus: Beaker, Measuring cylinder, glass rod and dropper

(e) Procedure :

1. Pour about 20 cm3 of latex into three beakers.

2. Using a dropper, add about 5 cm3 of ethanoic acid to the first beaker and
stir with glass rod.
3. Observe and record any changes that occur.

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 31

4. Using a dropper, add about 5 cm 3 of ammonia solution to the second

beaker and stir with glass rod. Leave it aside.
5. Leave the latex in the third beaker exposed to the air for one day.
6. Observe and record the changes in the second and third beakers after one
day.

(f)

Type of chemical Observation / Coagulation of latex

solution
Latex + ethanoic acid
Latex + ammonia
solution
Latex only

QUESTION 7
TO INVESTIGATE OXIDATION AND REDUCTION IN THE DISPLACEMENT OF
HALOGEN FROM ITS HALIDE SOLUTION

(a) Problem statement : Does more reactive halogen can displace less reactive
halogen from its halide solution?

(b) Hypothesis : More reactive halogen can displaces a less reactive

halogen from its halide solution

(c) Variable : Manipulated: Type of halogen and their halide solutions

Responding: The colour formed in 1,1,1-trichloroethane
Constant: 1,1,1-trichloroethane

(d) Materials : Chlorine water, bromine water, iodine solution,

0.5 mol dm-3 potassium chloride solution,
0.5 mol dm-3 potassium bromide solution,
0.5 mol dm-3 potassium iodide solution and
1,1,1-trichloroethane
Apparatus: Dropper, test tube, test tube rack

(e) Procedure :
1. Put three test tubes into test tube rack.

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 32

2. Pour 2 cm3 of potassium chloride solution, 2 cm3 of potassium bromide

solution and 2 cm3 of potassium iodide solution into three separate test tubes.
3. Using dropper, add few drops of chlorine water to each test tube and shake
the mixture thoroughly.
4. Using another dropper, add few drops of 1,1,1-trichloroethane to each test
tube.
5. Shake the mixture thoroughly. After a few seconds, observe the colour
formed in the 1,1,1-trichloroethane layers and record it.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 using bromine water and iodine solution consecutively, in
place of chlorine water.
7. Record all the observations in the table.

(f)

Type of halogen Halide solutions Colour of halogen in

1,1,1-trichloroethane
Chlorine Potassium bromide
Chlorine Potassium iodide
Bromine Potassium chloride
Bromine Potassium iodide
Iodine Potassium chloride
Iodine Potassium bromide

QUESTION 8
TO STUDY THE REACTIVITY OF METALS WITH OXYGEN GAS

(a) Problem statement : How do different metals in the reactivity series

react with oxygen?
OR Aim of the experiment : To compare the reactivity of metals in the
reactivity series with oxygen.

(b) Hypothesis : When more reactive metal burnt with oxygen gas, the
brighter the flame produced.

(c) Variable : Manipulated: Types of metal

Responding: Brightness of flame produced/Reactivity of
metals
Constant: Size of metals / Mass of metal powder /
Oxygen gas

(d) Materials : Magnesium powder, Copper powder, iron filings solid

potassium manganate(VII), asbestos paper and
glass wool
Apparatus: Boiling tube, retort stand and clamp, Bunsen burner, spatula,
forceps

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(e) Procedure :
1. Put one spatula of potassium manganate(VII) in a boiling tube.
2. Push in some glass wool into the tube and clamp it horizontally.
3. Place one spatula of magnesium powder on a piece of asbestos paper and put it
into the boiling tube.
4. Heat the magnesium powder strongly and then heat the solid potassium
manganate(VII).
5. Observe how vigorous magnesium reacts with oxygen.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 using copper powder and iron filings to replace magnesium
powder.
7. Record all the observations

(f) Tabulation of data

Type of metals Observation

Magnesium
Copper
Iron

Question 9
To determine the position of carbon in the reactivity series of metals

(a) Problem statement : How to determine the position of carbon in the

reactivity series by heating a mixture of a carbon
powder and a metal oxide?

(b) Hypothesis : When carbon is less reactive than the metal, reaction
does not occur between carbon with the metal oxide.
When carbon is more reactive than the metal, reaction
occur between carbon with the metal oxide.
(c) Variable : Manipulated: Types of metal oxide
Responding: Reaction occur or not
Constant: Carbon powder

(d) Materials : Carbon powder, copper(II) oxide, magnesium oxide,

aluminium oxide and zinc oxide
Apparatus: Crucible, spatula, bunsen burner, pipe-clay triangle, tripod stand

(e) Procedure :
1. Put a spatula of carbon powder into a crucible.

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2. Put a spatula of copper(II) oxide powder into a crucible containing carbon

powder.
3. Heat the mixture strongly.
4. Observe and record the changes occur.
5. Steps 1 to 4 are repeated by using magnesium oxide powder, aluminium
oxide powder and zinc oxide to replace copper(II) oxide powder.

(f)

Mixture Observation

Carbon + copper(II) oxide

Carbon + magnesium oxide
Carbon + aluminium oxide
Carbon + zinc oxide

Question 10

HEAT OF DISPLACEMENT

(a) Problem statement : How do difference electropositivity of metal affect

the heat of displacement of copper?

(b) Hypothesis : The higher the position of the more electropositive metal
in the electrochemical series, the larger the value of heat
of displacement of copper by the metal
(c) Variable : Manipulated: Metals that are more electropositive than
copper
Responding: Heat of displacement
Constant: Volume and concentration of copper(II)
sulphate solution/polystyrene cup/size of
metals

(d) Materials : zinc powder, magnesium powder, 0.5 mol dm -3 copper(II)

sulphate solution
Apparatus: Polystyrene cup, measuring cylinder, electronic balance,
weighing bottle and thermometer

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 35

(e) Procedure :
1. Measure 50 cm3 of 0.5 mol dm-3 copper(II) sulphate solution and pour it into a
polystyrene cup.
2. Put the thermometer into the copper(II) sulphate solution. Measure and
record the initial temperature of the solution.
3. Weigh 1 g of zinc powder.
4. Pour the zinc powder quickly and carefully into the copper(II) sulphate
solution.
5. Stir the mixture with thermometer while observe the change in temperature.
6. Record the highest temperature achieved.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 using excess magnesium powder to replace excess zinc
powder

(f)

Reactants Zinc + copper(II) Magnesium + copper(II)

sulphate solution sulphate solution

Initial temperature of
copper(II) sulphate solution
(oC)
Highest temperature of the
reaction mixture (oC)

QUESTION 11
HEAT OF NEUTRALISATION
(a) Problem statement :
Does the heat of neutralization between a strong
acid and a strong alkali is higher than the heat of
neutralization between a weak acid and a strong
alkali?

(b) Hypothesis : Reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium

hydroxide has a higher heat of neutralization than
ethanoic acid and sodium hydroxide

(c) Variable :
Manipulated: Hydrochloric acid and ethanoic acid
Responding: Heat of neutralisation
Constant: Volume and concentration of sodium hydroxide solution /
Polystyrene cup / Size of polystyrene cup

(d) Materials : 2.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid, 2.0 mol dm-3 ethanoic
acid, 2.0 mol dm-3 sodium hydroxide solution
Apparatus: Polystyrene cup, measuring cylinder, and thermometer

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(e) Procedure :
1. Measure 50 cm3 of 2.0 mol dm-3 sodium hydroxide solution using a measuring
cylinder and pour it into a polystyrene cup.
2. Put the thermometer into the sodium hydroxide solution. Measure and record
the initial temperature of the solution.
3. Measure 50 cm3 of 2.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid using another measuring
cylinder and pour it into another polystyrene cup.
4. Pour the hydrochloric acid quickly and carefully into the sodium hydroxide
solution in the polystyrene cup.
5. Stir the mixture with thermometer while observe the change in temperature.
6. Record the highest temperature achieved.
7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 using 50 cm3 of 2.0 mol dm-3 ethanoic acid to replace
hydrochloric acid
(f)
Reactants Hydrochloric acid + Ethanoic acid + Sodium
Sodium hydroxide solution hydroxide solution

Initial temperature of
sodium hydroxide solution
(oC)
Initial temperature of acid
(oC)
Average of initial
temperature of the solutions
(oC)
Highest temperature of the
reaction mixture (oC)

QUESTION 11
HEAT OF COMBUSTION

(a) Problem statement :

How does the number of carbon atoms per molecule of alcohol affect the heat
of combustion? //
Does alcohol with higher number of carbon atoms per molecule have a higher
heat of combustion?

(b) Hypothesis : The higher the number of carbon atoms per molecules of
alcohol, the higher the heat of combustion.

(c) Variable : Manipulated: Different types of alcohols

Responding: Heat of combustion
Constant: Volume of water/copper can

(d) Materials : Methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, butan-1-ol, water

Apparatus: copper can, tripod stand, thermometer, measuring cylinder, spirit
lamps, electronic balance, wooden block, windshield

(e) Procedure :
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1. 200 cm3 of water is measured using a measuring cylinder and poured into a
copper can. Initial temperature of water is measured and recorded.
2. The copper can is placed on a tripod stand.
3. Spirit lamp is filled with methanol and the lamp and its content is weighed and the
mass is recorded.
4. The lamp is put under copper can and the wick of the lamp is lighted
immediately.
5. The apparatus is covered with windshield.
6. Stir the water continuously until the temperature of the water increases by 30 oC.
7. The flame is put off and the highest temperature reached by water is recorded.
8. The mass of the lamp and its content is weighed immediately and is recorded.
9. Steps 1 to 7 are repeated by using ethanol, propan-1-ol and butan-1-ol to replace
methanol.

(f)

Type of alcohol Methanol Ethanol Propan-1-ol Butan-1-ol

Initial temperature of water /oC
Highest temperature of
water /oC
Increase in the
temperature /oC
Mass of lamp before
burning /g
Mass of lamp after burning /g
Mass of alcohol burnt /g

37