Exp. 04 – Quantifying the Composition of Limestone
Why are we doing this experiment?
- Identification of an unknown compound is a critical skill for many chemists regardless of their field. Whether it be the product of a synthesis in a research lab or identification of a component of hazardous waste, correctly identifying components as well as the relative amounts of each is of critical importance.
- Identification of unknowns can be done using many methods, including seeing what the unknowns react with.
- Technique building.
- Filtrations are commonly used in a variety of fields to separate substances.
How do I prepare for lab?
What will I do in lab?
- You will be performing a separation
- Technique Videos to Watch
- Gravity Filtration
- Using an Analytical Balance
- Safety
- Common Errors in Lab
- Disposing of waste improperly
- Taking the wrong samples from the oven. Mark your samples carefully and make sure you retrieve only your samples from the oven.
- Not including the mass of the empty crucible and/or lid when determining mass.
What will I do after lab?
- Calculations
- Post-lab Checklist (i.e. things you should be able to do for the lab practical)
- Complete a gravity filtration and sketch the setup.
- Determine the percent composition of all species in a compound.
- Determine the empirical formula of a compound from experimental data.
- To understand the general formula for hydrated compounds and its definition.
If you have other links, resources, or tips to add, please leave a comment below. Comments are moderated and irrelevant or inappropriate comments will be removed.