Three bottles lost their labels. One contained an aqueous solution of HCl, another an aqueous solution of HNO3, and the third contained an aqueous solution of H2SO4. Write an experimental procedure that would allow you to correctly identify the contents of the bottles using the following equipment: Mg, CaCO3, matches, test tubes, stirring rod, spatula (scoop). I would really appreciate help, thanks!
I responded to this same questipin earlier. Look before you leap.
To identify the contents of the three bottles, you can perform a series of simple chemical tests using the given equipment. Here's an experimental procedure you can follow:
Materials needed:
1. Three test tubes
2. Magnesium (Mg)
3. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
4. Matches
5. Stirring rod
6. Spatula (scoop)
7. Safety goggles and lab gloves (for safety)
Procedure:
1. Put on safety goggles and lab gloves for protection.
2. Label each of the three test tubes as A, B, and C.
3. Take a small amount of the substance in bottle A (unknown solution) and transfer it to test tube A using the spatula.
4. Repeat step 3 for the substances in bottles B and C, transferring them to test tubes B and C, respectively.
5. Add a small piece of magnesium (Mg) to test tube A.
6. Observe any reactions that occur in test tube A. If there is a vigorous reaction, such as the release of bubbles and the formation of a gas, it indicates the presence of an acid.
7. Dilute the contents of test tube B with a small amount of water.
8. Add a small amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to test tube B containing the diluted solution.
9. Observe any reactions that occur in test tube B. If there is a reaction, such as the formation of bubbles or fizzing, it indicates the presence of an acid.
10. Take a wooden splint and ignite it using a match.
11. Use the ignited splint to introduce the flame into test tube C.
12. Observe the color of the flame. Different compounds yield different colors when burned. For example, if the flame turns green, it indicates the presence of copper in the solution.
Based on the observations from these tests, you will be able to identify the contents of each bottle as follows:
- If test tube A shows a vigorous reaction with magnesium, it contains HCl (hydrochloric acid).
- If test tube B shows a reaction with calcium carbonate, it contains HNO3 (nitric acid).
- If test tube C produces a specific color in the flame test, it contains H2SO4 (sulfuric acid).
Remember to dispose of the contents of the test tubes properly and safely after completing the experiment.