Gases and Reactions

In this section, our class was fortunate enough to explore gases while learning the skills to balance equations and create ICE tables. We learned many important concepts and equations such as PV=nRT(the ideal gas law) and KMT. Using this information we did some dope labs and experiments involving gases and tons of reactions.

First, we learned about moles and what exactly they are. We learned how big moles actually are (6.02 • 10^23) and how to calculate them. Using this, our first experiment was to determine the number of moles of zinc were in a penny by melting it and weighing it before and after. In another similar experiment we figured how much water evaporated from a copper(II) sulfate and water mixture. After weighing the bowl and the mixture plus the bowl we heated(dehydrated) the mixture and then weighed it again. Finally, we converted the moles and we able to conclude how much water evaporated and compared our answer to other tables.

Next, we were introduced to the PV=nRT formula and taught how to use it. Using this ideal gas law we could calculate missing temperature(K), volume(L), pressure(atm), or moles(n) if given sufficient information. Using this equation we were able conduct a number of different labs and test how it worked. Although I was not there for a good amount of them, I was able to witness us increase the volume of Mr. Marshmallow by decreasing the pressure(as seen below) and explore examples in the film world in movies such as the Abyss and Total Recall. Other labs included putting an alka-seltzer in a film canister filled with water, launching bottles by increasing the pressure inside them, and crushing a can by putting it under water.

Next our class switched it up and focused on the reactions part of this section. Using our new knowledge about balancing equations and creating ICE tables we conducted a series of experiments. First we discovered the triple point of the gas CO2. Using a pipette filled with dry ice(the solid form of CO2) we put it under water while ensuring no gas squeezed out. After holding the pipette for a small amount of time, CO2 reached it's triple point and blew up. It's triple point is when CO2 is in liquid, solid, and gas state all at the same time. Lastly, after learning the art of the ICE table we had the pleasure of making a q-tip launcher and bottle rocket. Using film canister with a lighter spark generator and alcohol we were able to shoot q-tips at a surprising speed by making a spark and lighting the alcohol. After perfecting the q-tip launcher we upped our game and filled an empty 2L bottle with 2/3 hydrogen and 1/3 oxygen. Then using a dope launcher Ramsey built we launched these bottles high into the sky(as seen below).

This chapter ultimately was the hardest and contained the most information but for the most part I feel comfortable with the material. I had a blast playing around with all the different labs and am very proud of how much I learned. Wish me luck for the final tomorrow!