CHM130

Lab 7

Determining the Formula of a Compound

A. Data Table (show completed data table here) (12 points)

|Measurements |Mass (in grams) |
|Mass of empty 100 mL beaker |55.45 g |
|Mass of zinc metal |1.80 g |
|Mass of beaker containing zinc chloride |58.16 g |

B. Follow-Up Questions …show more content…

This lab required uses of a hot plate which most people do not have. Items like this are available in laboratory settings, so it is better to do this lab in an actual laboratory. The second reason this lab could not be done at home is, if it was attempted at home by using other items (such as a stove) as a substitute hot plate, accuracy would then be affected. In a lab all the same type of equipment is used. Thus there are limited variations in temperature, time required to heat up etc. Finally, this lab could not been completed at home due to safety issues. This lab required heating a glass beaker with zinc and chlorine in it. This is a very dangerous experiment, the glass could break, the chlorine could spill and get on your skin, or in your eyes. When the mixture was combined it appeared as though a gas was forming and releasing from it. This also presents a danger to people working at home with kids and animals nearby. Labs are set up with safety in mind, they have eye wash stations, and the proper equipment to ensure everyone safety. Also in the lab there is less distractions as children and pets are not allowed in.

10. In another experiment, a lab student analyzes a sample of a compound containing 49.5 grams carbon, 5.15 grams hydrogen, 28.9 grams nitrogen, and 16.5 grams oxygen by mass.

a. What is the empirical formula for this compound?