Solubility of Ionic Compounds

Edit Experiment

VIDEO LINKS:

Lab Experiments (Write protocols based on the videos then complete your protocols as you perform experiments in class):

  1. Solubility of Ionic Compounds

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

  1. Solubility
  2. Dissociation vs. Ionization

Experimental Protocol

(Analysis) 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 follow, so be detailed.

Chemical Table

(Representation) Prepare your chemical table including the materials you 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 (picture) 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, 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.
Compound Mass of compound (g) Volume of water (mL) Soluble or Insoluble
NaCl
CaCl2
MgCl2
Na2SO4
CaSO4
MgSO4
Na2CO3
CaCO3
MgCO3

Data Processing

  1. (Representation) Write the balanced equation for the dissolution each ionic compound in water that you tested.
Compound Dissociation reaction
NaCl NaCl(s) →
CaCl2
MgCl2
Na2SO4
CaSO4
MgSO4
Na2CO3
CaCO3
MgCO3
 
  1. (Assumptions) Fill in the following table using the data and observations from your experiment:
Assumptions made Testing the assumption If assumptions are wrong ...
The distilled water is pure Evaporate it and check for residue The density would change depending on the density of the contaminant
A laser pointer can identify a solution
 

Discussion

Write a minimum one-page (12 font, single spaced) discussion on the experiment conducted this week.  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. (Existing knowledge, research, and views) Define soluble and insoluble.
  2. (Existing knowledge, research, and views) Consider the way solubility is expressed. Identify the most common units used.
  3. (Lab skills) It was necessary to swirl or stir the solutions. Give a supported argument for ehy this was necessary.
  4. (Analysis) Compare the solubility of your compounds with the same cation. Identify any similarities and/or differences that you found (trends).
  5. (Analysis) Compare the solubility of your compounds with the same anion. . Identify any similarities and/or differences that you found (trends).
  6. (Analysis) Identify the process that was used to determine the solubility of a compound.
  7. (Experimental design) Suggest another experimental protocol to determine the solubility of a series of related compounds.
  8. (Existing knowledge, research, and views) Insert a picture of a solubility table and include the reference to the source.
  9. (Analysis) Compare and contrast your results from your experimental data to the published solubility table above.
  10. (Analysis) Check the ingredient labels of the products (shampoo, laundry detergent, etc.) in your home and identify the most common cations in them. Provide a reason based on your experiment for why this most common cation is suitable for these products.
  11. (Analysis) Check the ingredient labels of the foods and drinks in your home and identify the most common cations in them. Provide a reason based on your experiment for why this most common cation is suitable for these products.
  12. (Analysis) Pretend that you are a food scientist planning to replace sodium with calcium in a drink. Describe at least one challenge that you can foresee and provide at least one recommendation for addressing it.

Recommended Discussion Outline:

The concepts I used in this experiment were… The most important aspect of this experiment was… The purpose of the experiment was (Hint: it was not to determine the solubility of specific salts) … By performing this experiment, I learned…