138465_TypesofReactions
138465_TypesofReactions
Pre-Lab Discussion
There are many kinds of chemical reactions and several ways to classify them.
One useful method classifies reactions into four major types. These are: 1) Direct
combination or synthesis; 2) Decomposition, or analysis; 3) Single Replacement; and
4) Double Replacement or exchange of ions. Not all reactions can be put into one of
these categories. Many, however, can.
2) Provide an example of each of the four main types of reactions. Please choose a
different one from that provided in the pre-lab discussion. You should refer to section
8.2 of your text for help with this question.
3) List at least 2 safety precautions you must consider during this lab.
Purpose: Observe some chemical reactions and identify reactants and products of
those reactions. Classify the reactions and write balanced equations.
**Please use the two-column format in your lab notebook! The left column is for the
procedures; the right column is for the observations.
PART A SYNTHESIS
1. Using crucible tongs, hold the copper wire in the hottest part of a Bunsen burner flame
for 1 – 2 minutes. Examine the wire and note any change in its appearance caused by
heating.
2. Place an evaporating dish near the base of the Bunsen burner. Examine a piece of
magnesium ribbon. Using crucible tongs, hold the sample in the burner flame until the
magnesium starts to burn. DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE FLAME!! HOLD
THE BURNING MAGNESIUM AWAY FROM YOU AND DIRECTLY OVER THE
EVAPORATING DISH. When the ribbon stops burning, put the remains in the
evaporating dish. Examine the product carefully.
PART B DECOMPOSITION
1. Place 2 heaping scoops of copper (II) carbonate in a clean, dry test tube. Note the
appearance of the sample.
2. Using a test tube holder, heat the copper (II) carbonate strongly for about 3 minutes.
Extinguish the flame and then insert a burning wood splint into the test tube. If carbon
dioxide gas is present, it will put the flame out. Note any change in the appearance of the
residue in the test tube.
1. Stand a clean, dry test tube in the test tube rack. Add about 5 mL of hydrochloric acid
(HCl) to the tube. Now carefully drop a small piece of zinc metal into the acid in the test
tube. Cover the tube with a small piece of cardboard. Observe and record what happens.
2. Light a wood splint and insert the burning splint into the mouth of the tube. The ‘pop’,
‘squeak’, or ‘bark’ indicates the presence of hydrogen gas. Note the appearance of the
substance in the reaction test tube.
3. Add about 1 mL of copper (II) sulfate solution to a clean, dry test tube. Place a small
amount of zinc metal in the solution. Note the appearance of the solution and the zinc
before and after the reaction.
1. Add about 2 mL of zinc acetate to a clean, dry test tube. Next, add about 2 mL of sodium
phosphate solution to the test tube. Observe what happens and note any changes in the
mixture.
2. Add about 2 mL of sodium sulfite solution to a clean, dry test tube. To this solution, add
about 1 mL of HCl (hydrochloric acid). Note the odor given off by wafting some of the
gas toward your nose. DO NOT SMELL THE GAS DIRECTLY!!
Equations
For each of the following:
a) Balance each of the equations.
b) Write the names of the reactant(s) and product(s) below the molecular equation.
Part A Synthesis
Part B Decomposition
1. In this experiment, what method was used to test for the presence of carbon dioxide gas?
3. Balance the following equations and identify the type of reaction it represents.