Name Class Date
Lab Observing a Chemical Reaction
Introduction
The science of chemistry is based upon observation. In this experiment, you will observe a chemical
reaction and use filtration to separate the products of that reaction. As you observe the reaction in this
experiment, try to make as many observations as possible. Be aware that a quantitative observation is an
observation that involves a measurement. A qualitative observation is a general description and does not
involve a measurement. The liquid is hot is a qualitative observation. The temperature of the liquid is
95C is a quantitative observation.
Sometimes liquids contain particles of insoluble solids, present either as impurities or as precipitates
formed by the interaction of the chemicals used in the experiment. These particles can be separated from
the liquid by filtration. The liquid that passes through the filter is known as the filtrate.
Objectives
1. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative observations.
2. Distinguish between physical and chemical changes.
3. Separate a mixture by filtration.
Materials
2 100-mL beakers glass stirring rod copper(II) chloride dihydrate
thermometer plastic spoon aluminum foil, 8 cm 8 cm
buret clamp magnifying glass distilled water wash bottle
ring funnel
ring stand filter paper
Safety
Smell chemicals cautiously, waving a hand across the top of the container, toward your nose.
Do not use a thermometer as a stirring rod.
Copper(II) chloride is an irritant. Avoid skin contact with this chemical. Wash your hands thoroughly
after use.
Procedure
As you perform this experiment, record your observations in the data table provided.
1. Obtain a level teaspoonful of copper(II) chloride dihydrate, CuCl 22H2O. Using the magnifying
glass, describe the crystals in as much detail as you can, and make as many observations as possible.
2. Fill the 100-mL beaker about one-fourth full with distilled water. Without stirring, add the level
teaspoonful of crystals to the water. Record you observations of the mixture. Observe both the
crystals and the water. Record.
3. Stir the mixture with the glass stirring rod until the crystals are completely dissolved. Record your
observations of the solution.
4. Place a thermometer in the copper(II) chloride solution as shown in
Figure 1, and note the temperature. Record the temperature to one
decimal place. Then, loosely crumple the aluminum foil into a ball.
Place the ball of aluminum in the solution and record your observations
of the mixture. CAUTION: Observe the mixture from the side. Do not
look directly down into the beaker. Continue to observe the mixture for
at least 10 minutes and note any changes in temperature. Record the
final temperature and the overall change in temperature.
5. When the reaction is complete, set up the filtration apparatus as shown in
Figure 2. Support a funnel on a small ring on the ring stand. Use a
beaker to collect the filtrate. Adjust the funnel so that the stem of the
funnel just touches the inside wall of the beaker. Figure 1
6. Fold the filter paper along its diameter, and then fold it again to form a
quadrant. Separate the folds of the filter, with three thicknesses on one side and
one on the other; then place in the funnel. Then funnel should be wet before the
paper is added. Use your plastic wash bottle. Then wet the filter paper with a
little water and press the edges firmly against the sides of the funnel so no air can
get between the funnel and the filter paper while the liquid is being filtered.
7. Filter out the solid substances by pouring the liquid and solid particles into the
filter, observing the following suggestions:
a. The filter paper should not extend above the edge of the funnel.
b. Do not fill the filter. It must never overflow.
c. Try to establish a flow of liquid in the stem of the funnel, this excluding air
bubbles, and then add the liquid just fast enough to keep the level about 1 cm
from the top of the filter.
d. While pouring, hold a stirring rod against the lip of the beaker, as shown in
Figure 2. The liquid will run down the stirring rod instead of running down
the sides of the beaker.
8. Dispose of the filtrate down the drain with water. Dispose of the solids as
directed by your teacher. Figure 2
Data
Dry copper(II) chloride
dihydrate
Copper(II) chloride in water
Stirred solution of copper(II)
chloride in water
Copper(II) chloride solution
and aluminum foil
Temperature recordings (C) Initial T = Final T = Change in T =
Conclusions
1. Which of the observations you made were quantitative?
2. Differentiate between physical and chemical changes.
3. What type of change occurred when the copper(II) chloride was added to the water, a physical or
chemical change? Explain your reasoning in detail.
4. What type of change occurred when the aluminum foil was added in the experiment, a physical
change or chemical change? Explain your reasoning in detail.
5. Describe the difference between exothermic and endothermic reactions. Which type of reaction did
you observe in this experiment? Explain.
6. What property of the solid substance enables it to be separated from the water by filtration? Explain.
