Unit 3 Chemistry Lab Activity: Chemical Writing and Chemical Names

The purpose of this activity is to combine different ions and observe whether they come together to form a precipitate. You can then name the new compound formed and write the formula for this compound. Procedure: 1. Take the laminated chart (as shown below) and combine two drops of cation solution with two drops of anion solution in the appropriate grid square. 2. Observe the reaction (if any) and record your observation on the data table below. 3. Repeat the steps until you have combined all twelve possible reactions. Observations: a) Use as Y or N to indicate if a precipitate (cloudiness) formed. b) Fill in your observations of all precipitates formed (color and level of cloudiness eg. Slightly cloudy, or very cloudy) Ions Ag
+

Cl 1. Y, Turned white and very cloudy 4. N, Didnt turn cloudy but it turned pinkish.

CO3 2. Y, very cloudy and slightly yellow to the side. 5. Y, purple, blue and cloudy on the side.

2-

OH 3. N, Clear, not very cloudy.

Co

2+

6. Y, Sea blue/turquoise and slightly cloudy.

Fe

3+

7. N, Yellowish/green and isnt cloudy.

8. Y, Orangey/ yellow and slightly cloudy.

9. Y, Light yellow and slightly cloudy.

Cu

2+

10. N, Clear and really light blue

11. Y, Blue but cloudy.

12. Y, Cloudy and light blue

Names and formulas of all compounds formed 1. AgCl, Silver Chloride 2. Ag2Co3, Silver Carbonate 3. AgOH, Silver Hydroxide 4. CoCl2, Cobalt (II) Chloride 5. CoCo3, Cobalt (II) Carbonate 6. Co(OH)2, Cobalt (II) Hydroxide 7.FeCl3, Iron (III) Chloride 8.Fe2(Co3)3, Iron (III) Carbonate 9.Fe(OH)3, Iron (III) Hydroxide 10.Cu(Cl)2, Copper (II) Chloride 11.Cu(Co3), Copper (II) Carbonate 12.Cu(OH)2, Copper (II) Hydroxide Photo of spotplate:

Questions: 1. What is happening at the molecular level for a precipitate to form? (google this) A solid molecule is being formed during a chemical reaction, which does not dissolve in the solution. These solid un-dissolved molecules resent as precipitate.

2. Suggest a logical reason why the ions in one compound would separate from each other (eg. Dissolve in water), while they wouldn't be dissolved in another compound (as they come together in forming a precipitate.) eg. What forces could be at play here? If the force of attraction between the ions of the solution and that of the ions of the solute is greater than that of the inter-nuclear force between the ions of solute, then the ions in the solute will separate and dissolve in the solution. However, if the force of attraction between the ions in the solution and that of solute, is lesser than the inter-nuclear force between the ions of the solute, then the ions in the solute will not separate and stick to each other. I think another way of looking at the same thing is with a view point of electronegativity. A more electronegative ion will be able to displace a less electronegative ion from the solute and if electronegativity of the ion in the solution is less than that of solute, it will not be able to displace it or break the parent solutes bond.

3. In making formulas of compounds, why would you use parentheses sometimes? Parenthesis needs to be used to distinguish if the number next to the ion to represent single element or if it is being used for the entire polyatomic ion. When a polyatomic ion is being used, it is important to use parenthesis but when it is a single element, parenthesis doesnt need to be used. 4. At what time do you use roman numerals? Is this used in naming, or making formulas of compounds? Roman numerals are used only in naming the compounds, when metal with variable charge forms a compound with a non-metal. The charge of the metal is listed in roman numerals with parentheses to the right of the metal.

5. A) What letters do we use after a formula to indicate the state of the compound? (S) solid; (L), (G) gas b) When a compound dissolves in water, how do indicate this with the formula of the compound? By writing, (aq) aqueous solution i.e. a solution where the solvent is water. c) At the molecular level, describe the ionic compound when it is dissolved in water.

When an ionic compound is dissolved in water, its positive ion gets attracted to OHion of the water to form a molecule and compounds negative ion gets attracted to the H+ ion of water to form another compound. E.g. NaCl dissolving in water forms NaOH and HCl. Brief reflection statement of what you learned in this activity. I did have several doubts about the usage of roman numerals in naming the metal compounds where metals have a variable charge. This activity has helped me address a lot of these doubts, although I must admit that I am not still completely at ease. I had imagined that all transition metals have variable charges, but then Silver does not and then there is Aluminium, which is not a transitional metal, but still sometimes its compound is named using roman numerals as shown in our practice sheets.