Decomposition (In Person)

Edit Experiment

VIDEO LINKS:

Lab Experiments (Write protocols and perform experiments based on these):

  1. Decomposition of Baking Soda

Data analysis and calculations (Use these if you need help with your data and interpretations)

  1. Stoichiometry
  2. Percent Yield
  3. Interpreting Chemical Equations

The prelab must include Experimental Protocol, Chemical Table and Equipment Table.

The lab report requires all sections (including prelab sections) to be completed in one document.

Experimental Protocol

(Analysis) Watch the experiment videos.  Take notes on the protocol.  Stop the video and re-watch as necessary to acquire the details of the procedure.  Write out the protocol for each part of the experiment.  (It can be written in sequential steps.  Complete sentences are not necessary.)  This is the protocol you will follow, so be detailed.

Chemical Table

(Representation) Prepare your chemical table including the materials you will use in the experiment.  Here is a general template that you may use.
Chemical Name Chemical Formula Molar Mass (g/mol) Hazards Reference PPE
Sodium Chloride NaCl 58.5 Skin irritation https://fscimage.fishersci.com/msds/21105.htm  
           
           
           
           

Equipment Table

(Analysis) Identify the equipment (type AND size) needed for the experiment and include the name and an image of each.  Be sure to describe the equipment, how to use it, and why it is suitable for this use.
Equipment Name Equipment Picture Intended Purpose

Data Collection

(Acquiring competencies) Following your detailed protocol based on the videos, perform all the experiments. Record your observations and take pictures of your key steps in the process.  Your observations and images need to be incorporated in your data section and this section should be as detailed as possible as you will use this information to complete your discussion.

Data Processing

  1. (Representation) Write a balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of baking soda.
  2. (Manipulation) Calculate the percent yield of the reaction. Show your calculations with the appropriate units.
  3. (Manipulation) Collect the percent yield values from your group members and calculate the average percent yield for your group.
  4. (Assumptions and Analysis) Fill in the following table using the observations and data from your experiments.
Assumptions made Testing the assumption If assumptions are wrong
Only CO2 and H2O are released in the reaction. Funnel the gases in indicator solution.
The sodium carbonate does not change back to sodium bicarbonate even if there is water and CO2 available.

Discussion

Write a minimum one-page (12 font, single spaced) discussion on the experiment conducted this week. Address at least one question in each category as fully as possible integrating the collected data, providing explanations for the observed trends, and evaluating whether your original assumptions about the experiment were validated by the results. The assignment will be graded on completeness, clarity of the explanations and the meaningful integration of the collected and calculated data. Correct grammar and appropriate format for the chemical formulae and chemical reactions is expected. You may use the outline included at the end of this document on how to build your essay to address each category.  
  1. (Representation) Write a balanced chemical equation for the performed reaction indicating the states of all involved chemicals.
  2. (Interpretation) Using your balanced chemical equation that describes the observed reaction, interpret its meaning on the microscopic and macroscopic scale.
  3. (Existing knowledge, research, and views) Classify the chemical reaction and provide evidence to support your choice(s).
  4. (Manipulation) Describe how percent yield is calculated and use your calculations to demonstrate the steps involved.
  5. (Assumptions and Limitations) Describe at least one assumption you make when calculating the theoretical yield. Identify at least two reasons from your experiment that make it impossible for the actual yield and theoretical yield to be identical.
  6. (Acquiring competencies) Describe how you made your solution and comment on its concentration.
  7. (Experimental design) Propose a method for testing your sodium carbonate at the end of the experiment to confirm that it didn’t react with the water and the CO2 from the air.