Empirical Formula of Magnesium Oxide
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Empirical Formula of Magnesium Oxide
Date:
Aim: The aim of this experiment was to determine the empirical formula of magnesium oxide.
Equipment:
Balance
Crucible and lid
Bunsen burner
Magnesium ribbon (0.2g)
Steel wool
Crucible tongs
Pipe clay triangle
Tripod
Procedure:
Obtain a clean, dry crucible and lid, then heat them for approximately 5 minutes over a Bunsen burner
Clean the surface of a 20 cm strip of magnesium ribbon using steel wool
Coil the magnesium ribbon, so that it fits into the crucible
Weigh crucible and lid on a balance, and record the mass
Place magnesium ribbon into crucible, replace the lid and weigh once more
Heat the crucible and its content with the lid off until the magnesium begins to glow
Replace the lid and heat the crucible strongly
Continue to heat the crucible, occasionally lifting the lid with tongs to provide oxygen for the reaction
When all magnesium has reacted, remove the lid and heat strongly for 5 minutes
Replace crucible lid and allow to cool
Reweigh the crucible with its contents and lid
Observations: Once the magnesium was in the crucible and was being heated by the Bunsen burner, it glowed for a brief time. It then caught fire before the lid was placed on top. When it came into contact with the oxygen, the magnesium started glowing extremely bright, and intensely white. The glow became orange after some time. The magnesium ribbon then turned white.
Results:
Mass of crucible and lid
29.9 g
Mass of crucible, lid and magnesium
30.1 g
Mass of magnesium
0.2 g
Mass of crucible, lid and magnesium oxide
30.3 g
Mass of magnesium oxide
0.4 g
Mass of oxygen combined with magnesium
0.2 g
Questions:
1. a) The mass of magnesium which reacted was 0.2 grams.
b)