How do metal elements react with compounds?
Planning
1 Open up a copy of the results sheet (google doc).
2 Choose a colour and underline the four elements.
3 Choose a different colour and underline the four compounds.
4 Fill in the key by your table to show the colours of the elements and compounds.
APPARATUS
test tube
test tube rack
thermometer
4 pieces of copper, iron, zinc, and magnesium
solutions of copper sulfate, iron sulfate (irritant), lead nitrate (toxic) and magnesium sulfate
eye protection
Method
A Take four test tubes, and fill them about 1/3 full with copper sulphate solution.
B Add a small piece of copper to one tube, iron to the second tube, zinc to the third tube and magnesium to the final tube.
C Leave the tubes for several minutes. Check to see if there is any reaction. Look for:
colour changes on the surface of the metal
colour changes in the solution
bubbles of gas given off
a temperature rise
D Write your results in the table.
E Repeat the experiment with the other solutions.
Considering your results/conclusions
1 Add up the total number of reactions for each of the metals and write it in the table.
2 Put the metals in order of reactivity.
3 Add up the total number of reactions for each of the compounds and write it in the table.
4 Put the compounds in order of reactivity.
Can you...
> carry out a safe investigation
> make careful observations
> record results in a clear way
> draw a conclusion and make comparisons
> write a word equation for a reaction