Embedded Files
Sand, Salt, and Ammonia Chloride Extraction
Sand, Salt, and Ammonia Chloride Extraction
Challenge Instructions:
You have been provided with three distinct solid substances: sand, table salt, and ammonium chloride.
Your task is to:
Identify (name) and predict the usage of the materials provided.
Individually measure the mass of a representative sample of each substance. Choose a sample size that allows for reasonable precision and subsequent handling.
Combine these three measured samples into a single mixture.
Determine the total mass of your initial mixture.
Given the lab equipment, develop and execute a plan to separate the three components of this mixture. You should consider the unique physical properties of each substance to achieve their isolation. Your plan should aim for the highest possible recovery of each individual component.
After separation, determine the final mass of each recovered component.
Compare your initial total mass to the final total mass of your recovered components. Quantify this comparison.
Skills Students Will Be Working On:
Skills Students Will Be Working On:
Measurement Skills:
Accurate and precise use of a digital balance.
Measuring mass of solids.
Understanding significant figures in measurements.
Laboratory Techniques:
Safe and proper handling of laboratory equipment (beakers, funnels, stirring rods, hot plates, etc.).
Mixing solids to create a homogeneous mixture (initially, then recognizing it becomes heterogeneous upon water addition).
Dissolution: Understanding how water acts as a solvent for some substances.
Decantation: Separating a liquid from a solid by carefully pouring.
Filtration: Separating an insoluble solid from a liquid using filter paper and a funnel.
Evaporation: Separating a dissolved solid from a solvent by heating to remove the solvent.
Sublimation: Observing and potentially separating a solid that directly changes to a gas upon heating.
Washing and rinsing techniques to maximize recovery.
Heating techniques (controlled heating).
Cooling techniques.
Observation Skills:
Careful observation of physical properties (color, texture, solubility).
Observing changes during mixing and separation (e.g., dissolution, sublimation, crystal formation).
Data Recording and Analysis:
Organizing data in a clear and concise table.
Performing basic calculations (addition, subtraction, percentage difference).
Comparing experimental results to theoretical principles (conservation of mass).
Identifying potential sources of error and their impact on results.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
Designing and implementing a multi-step separation procedure.
Troubleshooting unexpected results or difficulties during the experiment.
Relating macroscopic observations to microscopic properties of matter.
Understanding the properties of substances that allow for their separation (solubility, sublimation point).
Safety Practices: Adhering to laboratory safety protocols.
Scientific Communication: (If they write a report) Presenting methods, results, and conclusions clearly and logically.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse