Chemical Reactions Lab

PURPOSE: To determine the type of chemical reaction and write a balanced equation that properly describes each reaction.

MATERIALS: Bunsen burner, strip of magnesium, tongs, copper wire, 0.1 M AgNO3, Petri dish, graduated cylinder

PROCEDURE 1:

1. Shape copper wire into heart. It must lie flat.2. Place in Petri dish and pour 20 mL silver nitrate solution over the wire.3. Make an initial observation. Wait 10 – 15 minutes and observe again.

Data:Copper before reaction: _______________________________

Copper after reaction: ________________________________

Questions:What are the reactants?

What are the products?

What is the equation?

What type of reaction is this?

PROCEDURE 2:

1. Obtain a three inch strip of magnesium ribbon.2. Hold one end of the ribbon with the tongs.3. Place the other end of the ribbon in the flame of a Bunsen burner.

DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE BURNING MAGNESIUM!!

Data:Magnesium before the reaction: __________________________

Magnesium after the reaction: ___________________________

Questions:What evidence suggests that a chemical reaction took place?

What you saw was solid magnesium reacting with oxygen gas to form solid magnesium oxide. Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction.

What type of reaction is this?