A metal can be identified by how it reacts with other substances. Forensic scientists may use many of these same techniques when they have to identify a metal found on a victim or a suspect. Many times they use these techniques in cases of hit and run drivers. Forensic scientists also have more sophisticated techniques available to be sure they have correctly identified the metal.
What we are going to do is determine how a metal looks, how it reacts to a magnet, water and how it reacts to Hydrochloric Acid (HCl). The metals we will be investigating are Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Aluminum, Copper, and Tin.
Supplies: Chem-plate, metal vials, paper towel, forceps, magnet, magnifying glass, water, HCl,
Alert: Goggles are to be warned through-out the lab. Wash your hands after the lab and if /when they come in contact with the substance. Always keep the lids securely on all containers and the items in front of you away from the edge of the table. Be careful not to cross-contaminate any substances. Caution when using HCl and metal pieces. You are to use the disposal can when cleaning the chem-plate.
Steps:
1. While the metal is still in its container, observe what happens to the metal when a magnet is brought near it. If a magnet affects the metal, place a "yes" in the magnetic column and "no" if there is no reaction.
2. Observe the metal-write down your appearance observations, focusing on color and luster.
3. Using only 1-piece of metal or a few grains, in the appropriate chem-plate well observe what happens when you put ONE drop of HCl on it. Does it start to fizz right away; is it a delayed reaction; or no reaction?
4. Using only 1-piece of metal or a few grains, in the appropriate chem-plate well, observe what happens when you put ONE drop of water on it. Does it start to fizz right away; is it a delayed reaction; or no reaction?
Document your results in a data table like the one below. Then answer the questions on Pro-Prof METAL Analysis Questions
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1suXJO5zW-v-oAKe2JeAuWFHwt5y6Rk1mzU_iP50EyZM/edit?usp=sharing
Another way to identify the metal