Background Information

The halogens are five non-metallic elements found in group 7 of the periodic table. The term "halogen" means "salt-former" and compounds containing halogens are called "salts". All halogens have 7 electrons in their outer shells, giving them an oxidation number of -1. The halogens exist, at room temperature, in all three states of matter:

Solid- Iodine, Astatine Liquid- Bromine Gas- Fluorine, Chlorine

The Halogens are:

Fluorine Chlorine Bromine Iodine

The elemental halogens are also relatively reactive. The halogens include astatine, bromine, chlorine, fluorine, and iodine. These are all diatomic elements in their standard states at room temperature and have the symbols At2 (g), Br2 (l), Cl2 (g), F2 (g), and I2(s), respectively. We can safely eliminate astatine and fluorine from our study since the former is radioactive and the later is too reactive to be safe. Unlike the alkaline earth elements, the halogens tend to gain electrons in reactions forming singly-charged X halide anions (Cl-, Br-, etc.). Because of this property, the halogens are strong oxidizing agents; species that tend to oxidize (remove electrons from) other species. When a solution containing a halogen is mixed with a solution containing a halide ion, a reaction of the sort described by the chemical equation: X2 (aq) + 2 Y- (aq) 2 X- (aq) + Y2 (aq)

May occur, where X2 and Y2 are halogens (Cl2, Br2, or I2) and X- and Yare their respective halide ions (Cl-, Br-, or I-). You should recognize this as a single replacement reaction. The reaction will only occur if X2 is a stronger oxidizing agent than Y2, because X2 can only produce Y2 by removing electrons from the Yions. If Y2 is a stronger oxidizing agent than X2, then no reaction will occur.

Aim
In this experiment I will identify the three different halogens provided using indicator paper, silver nitrate, and finally ammonia solution.

Apparatus
Watch glass Dropper Beakers Test tubes Measuring cylinder

Materials
Universal Indicator paper Silver nitrate Dilute ammonia solution

Procedure
I was provided with three unknown halogen solutions, A, B and C. I Labeled 3 test tubes A, B and C to be accurate.

The effect of halogen on universal indicator

I placed an indicator paper on the watch glass. I used a dropper to transfer halogen A solution on the indicator paper. I recorded my observation on a table. I repeated the procedure for halogen B and C with a fresh indicator paper. And recorded my observation.

The tests for halide ions using silver nitrate solution followed by ammonia solution.
I added 3 drops of halogen A in the test tube labeled A. Than I added 10 drops of dilute nitric acid, followed by 5ml of silver nitrate solution. I recorded the observation on a table below.

Then I also added a few drops of dilute ammonia solution. Again I wrote down the observation. For halogen B I added 5 drops in test tube B. Then 5 drop of dilute nitric acid followed by 5 ml silver nitrate solution. I recorded the observation Then I added dilute ammonia solution. Recorded the results. And for halogen C I added by a cylinder 2ml in the test tube C. Then added 10 drops of dilute nitric acid, followed by 2ml of silver nitrate solution. Recorded my observation. Then I added a few drops of dilute ammonia solution. Recorded my observation.

Variable:
Controlled / Fixed variable of dilute nitric acid.

OBSERVATION
The effect of halogen on universal indicator:

Reference: http://www.chemicalelements.com/groups/halogens.h tml http://homepage.smc.edu/gallogly_ethan/files/The %20Alkaline%20Earths%20and%20Halogens.pdf http://academics.wellesley.edu/Chemistry/Chem105 manual/Lab05/lab05.html