3sacreports2007

MELBOURNE HIGH SCHOOL

YEAR 12
UNIT THREE CHEMISTRY
2007

SAC PRACTICAL REPORTS

Name

_______________________________________

Teacher

_______________________________________

1. When writing your SAC report, you may refer ONLY to your prac
instruction booklet. No other document may be used in any way.
2. Only results and observations are to be written in the instruction booklet.
The instruction booklet is NOT TO BE ANNOTATED in any other way
whatsoever.
3. Unless a statement to the contrary appears at the start of a specific
exercise, all reports must be TOTALLY UNMARKED when the
experimental work is being performed.
4. Apart from lines on graphs, all entries in this document must be made in INK.
5. This booklet (and parts thereof) must remain on the tables at the front
of the room during class time - it must NOT be taken to the prac benches.
6. Communication with other students during the completion of a SAC report
is not permitted.
7. Scientific calculators only can be used in class.

Breaches of 1., 2. and/or 6. could result in a disciplinary hearing and

cancellation or downgrading of that exercise.
Three pre-prac tests will be included as part of SAC assessments.
SACs marked with * have been assigned pre-prac tests.

This booklet contains the report forms for the following SAC exercises (but in reverse order):
Gravimetric determination of sulfate in lawn food (trial SAC - result not submitted to VCAA).
Determination of nitrogen in lawn food. *
Percentage of iron in steel wool.
Effect of concentration on reaction rate.
Effect of concentration and temperature changes on equilibrium position. *
Properties of sulfuric acid. *

General comments applicable to SAC exercises

Penalties
The usual penalties apply:

/2 mark is deducted each time a unit is omitted from the final numerical answer to any question or
where one is required to be added to a results table.
(A unit is not essential for individual burette readings but one is needed for titres.).
A maximum of 1 mark per report is deducted for omission of symbols of state from equations and
half equations.
A maximum of 1 mark per report is deducted for incorrect numbers of significant figures in the final
numerical answer to any question but not from intermediate steps within a question.
The penalty for incorrect units or symbols of state varies depending on the severity of the crime.

Errors
When discussing errors associated with practical exercises, the following types of error should be covered as
appropriate:

systematic
gross
random
procedural (eg. evaporation of volatile reactant/product)
reasoning (eg. Concepts such as yield)

The error discussion must be relevant to the particular exercise and draw on the experimental details of that
exercise. General comments will not receive the same credit.
Three distinct terms

observations are what you see, hear, smell, etc.

(but definitely not taste!), and deal with
changes,
interpretation is deducing something from observations,
explanation is discussing what you have observed or inferred in terms of a theory or hypothesis
about that phenomenon.

Questions

Where a question is written in the plural, at least two points must be made in your answer,
a 'Why?' question requires an explanation,
the marking scheme is provided to assist you with the amount of detail, number of points, etc.,
required in your answer.

And finally
The word 'partner' is singular!

Report forms commence on the next page.

2007 PROPERTIES OF SULFURIC ACID

Name : _____________________________Partner : _____________________Date:_______

Group:____

All entries in this document must be made in ink.

(Penalties apply for use of pencil and evidence of erasings).
Results and Discussion
Extent of hydrolysis in aqueous solution
Indicator colour _______________ pH = _________
Explanation of low pH values:

pH meter value = __________

________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Reaction of sulfate ions
Observations:

______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Action as a strong acid (Please keep your ionic equation within its box for ease of marking and comments.)
Test

Observations

Ionic equation

magnesium
ribbon

solid sodium
hydroxide

copper(II)
oxide powder

.../over

4
Affinity for water
* hydrated copper(II) sulfate crystals and concentrated sulfuric acid
Observations:

______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Explanation:

______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Molecular equation: ___________________________________________________________________
Action of concentrated sulfuric acid as an oxidising agent
Observations:

______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The iodide ions are converted into solid iodine molecules, hence the colour. There are various reduction products in
the reaction with KI(s). These include sulfite ions, sulfur dioxide, sulfur and hydrogen sulfide. Assuming that the
only sulfur-containing product is sulfur dioxide gas, write half and overall equations for the reaction. [Note that the use
of I-(s) instead of KI(s) in this question is appropriate.]
Oxidation:

______________________________________________________________________

Reduction:

______________________________________________________________________

Overall:

______________________________________________________________________

Questions
Sulfuric acid is a diprotic acid. Give equations for two hydrolysis reactions that support this statement.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Although the dilution of concentrated sulfuric acid is a very exothermic process, the immediate treatment for a
spillage of concentrated sulfuric acid is to flood the affected area with water. Explain.

End of report.
Marks:

Pre-prac test
Results and Discussion
Questions
Total

5
1/2 + 1/2 + 1/2 + Obs-11/2, eq 2) + 11/2 + 11/2 = 8
-1, -1 = 2
15

2007 EFFECT OF CONCENTRATION AND TEMPERATURE CHANGES

ON EQUILIBRIUM POSITION
Name : _____________________________Partner : _____________________Date:_______

Group:____

All entries in this document must be made in ink.

(Penalties apply for use of pencil and evidence of erasings).
Results
Please complete the table using words.
For the equilibrium Fe3+(aq) + SCN-(aq)

Fe(NCS)2+(aq) ,

Tube
Test

A
Add Fe3+

B
Add SCN-

C
Add F-

D
Add Ag+

E
Add H2O

Initial effect on
concentration of
one component
of the mixture

[Fe3+]

[SCN-]

[Fe3+]

[SCN-]

[Fe3+]

[SCN-]

[Fe3+]

[SCN-]

[Fe3+]

n(SCN-)

n(Fe3+)

n(SCN-)

n(Fe3+)

increases

Change in colour
of mixture

deepens

Change in
[Fe(NCS)2+]

increase

Consequent
change in [Fe3+]
and [SCN-]
Is the final
concentration of
the ion listed
greater than,
equal to or less
than its initial
concentration?
Is the final
amount of the ion
listed grater than,
equal to or less
than the initial
amount in the
tube?
Direction of
equilibrium shift

decrease
[Fe3+]
greater

n(Fe3+)
greater

right

.../over

Discussion:
*** When answering , & , fill in the blank space or circle the correct answer as appropriate.
Consider the gaseous equilibrium
N2 O4(g)
2NO2(g)
Circle the words required to complete correct statements for an increase in volume.
The gas mixture initially becomes

lighter / darker

as the volume of the mixture increases and then

as equilibrium is re-established.

lightens / darkens

The concentrations of both components are initially

increased / decreased.

The value of the concentration fraction therefore becomes

than the equilibrium constant.

For equilibrium to be regained, the value of the concentration fraction must increase / decrease.

This can be achieved if the equilibrium position shifts to the

At the new equilibrium position, there is

but its concentration has

Consider the endothermic equilibrium
NH4+(aq)

greater / less

left / right.

more / less

NO2,

increased / decreased.

NH3(aq) + H+(aq)

When heated, the mixture changes colour from __________________ to ___________________ .

At room temperature K for this reaction is 5.6 x 10-10 M. A certain amount of ammonium ions are dissolved
in water. At equilibrium the pH of this solution is ___________________(insert value from pre-prac sheet).
Calculate the concentration of ammonium ions at equilibrium. (Obviously show all working)

Consider the exothermic equilibrium

H3PO4(aq)

H2PO4-(aq) + H+(aq)

When heated, the mixture changes colour from __________________ to ___________________ .

The colour change indicates that [H+] has

It follows that the concentration of H2PO4- has increased / decreased,

and that of H3 PO4 concentration has

increased / decreased.
increased / decreased.

The value of the concentration fraction is therefore larger / smaller at higher temperatures than
at lower temperatures.
Thus, for an exothermic reaction, the value of K increases / decreases as the temperature is raised.
.../over

Questions
Consider the equilibrium:

Fe3+(aq) + SCN-(aq)

Fe(NCS)2+(aq)

In this system, two reactant ions produce one product ion so that as the forward reaction proceeds, fewer ions
are present in the mixture. Assuming constant temperature, describe, using Le Chateliers Principle, the
nature of the adjustment to the number of particles present when the equilibrium mixture is diluted.

Consider the equilibrium:

N2 O4(g)

2NO2(g)

In this system, one reactant molecule produces two product molecules so that as the forward reaction
proceeds, more molecules are present in the mixture. Assuming that the only change in conditions is the one
specified, describe, using the equilibrium fraction, the nature of the adjustment to the number of particles
present when the equilibrium mixture undergoes an increase in volume.

End of report.
Marks:

Pre-prac test
results table
discussion (, & )
questions (,)
Total

5
2
1+ 2 + 1 = 4
2+2 =4
15

Apart from this notice and a page number,

this page is intentionally blank.

2007 EFFECT OF CONCENTRATION ON REACTION RATE

Name : _____________________________Partner : _____________________Date:_______

Group:____

All entries in this document must be made in ink.

(Penalties apply for use of pencil and evidence of erasings).
Observations, Results and Calculations
Did you use a digital or an analogue watch in this exercise?

___________________________

Test tube reaction observations:

Complete the table:

Temperature of
the 45 mL of
Run
solution before
the addition of
the HCl
(oC)
1

Initial [S2O32-] in
50 mL of
reaction mixture
(M)

Initial [H+] in
50 mL of
reaction mixture
(M)

Blackout time
(s)

1/ blackout time
(s-1)

2
3
4
5
6
Plot 1/ blackout time vs [S2O32-] and draw the curve of best fit. (The independent variable must be
on the horizontal axis.)

.../over

10
Questions
Why is it essential that the same amount of hydrochloric acid be added to all beakers?

The reaction used in this exercise is:

S2O32-(aq) + 2H+(aq) S(s) + SO2(g) + H2O(l)
Write half equations for this reaction.
oxidation:

______________________________________________________________________

reduction:

______________________________________________________________________

Why is constant temperature important in this exercise and how would changes in temperature affect your results?

What would be the effect on the rate of the reaction if a little of the reaction mixture were splashed out of the beaker
after mixing the solutions? Explain your reasoning.

Blackout occurs when identical amounts of sulfur have been precipitated. Thus, blackout time represents the time
required for the conversion to have reached the same extent. The reciprocal of the blackout time represents the amount
of reaction occurring each second ie the rate of the reaction. From your graph, what appears to be the relationship
between 1/blackout time and [S2O32-] ?

End of report.
Marks:

observations, results table and graph 1 + 3 + 2 = 6

questions 1 + 4 2 = 9

Total 15

11

2007 PERCENTAGE OF IRON IN STEEL WOOL

Name : _____________________________Partner : _____________________Date:_______

Group:____

All entries in this document must be made in ink.

(Penalties apply for use of pencil and evidence of erasings).
Preliminary Questions 1 & 2 must be completed
in ink AT HOME prior to the experimental work.
No alteration to these answers will be permitted.
H = 1.0, O = 16.0, S = 32.1, K = 39.1, Mn = 54.9, Fe = 55.8
Preliminary Questions
Write half and overall equations for the reaction between the iron(II) ions and the acidified potassium permanganate
solution.
oxidation:

______________________________________________________________________

reduction:

______________________________________________________________________

overall:

______________________________________________________________________

Assuming that the steel wool is 100% iron, calculate the mass of steel wool required to give a titre of 20 mL of 0.02
M KMnO4 solution. Transcribe this answer to your instruction booklet.
[Significant figures may be ignored in this calculation only as it is a theoretical calculation that doesn't use
experimental data.]

Observations
steel wool and sulfuric acid

titration

.../over

12
Results
Concentration of standard KMnO4:

___________________

Results table:

Calculations
For each titration separately, calculate the percentage of iron in your steel wool sample. Clearly label the steps in your
calculations.

Average percentage of iron in steel wool:

_________________________

Questions
The conical flasks are covered before heating. What are the likely sources of error if this is NOT done?

.../over

13
Why is it necessary to read the top of the meniscus in this exercise rather than the bottom of the meniscus as is done
in most titrations?

In most titration exercises, the titres are averaged before doing the calculations. Why is this inappropriate in this
exercise?

Why isn't an indicator used in this exercise?

The amount of additional potassium permanganate solution required to reach the endpoint is minute. This excess
will notionally increase the calculated amount of iron present but, in practice, the extra has no effect on the calculated
amount. Why not?

Use oxidation numbers to show that the reaction

Fe(s) + 2H+(aq) Fe2+(aq) + H2(g)

is a redox reaction.

.../over

14
If the KMnO4 solution has partially decomposed and hence its concentration is actually lower than that stated, what
effect would this have on the calculated percentage of iron in the steel wool? Explain your reasoning.

The burette can be cleaned of residual permanganate ions by using a solution of hydrogen peroxide followed by a
thorough rinsing with deionised water. Give half and overall equations to show how this cleaning process works.
oxidation:

______________________________________________________________________

reduction:

______________________________________________________________________

overall:

______________________________________________________________________

End of report.

Marks:

preliminary questions
observations
results
calculations
questions
Total 20

/2 + 1 = 21/2
2
2
4 + 1 (the average) = 5
7 1 + 11/2 = 81/2

15

2007 DETERMINATION OF NITROGEN IN LAWN FOOD

Name : _____________________________Partner : _____________________Date:_______

Group:____

All entries in this document must be made in ink.

(Penalties apply for use of pencil and evidence of erasings).
Atomic masses: H = 1.0, N = 14.0, O = 16.0
Results
Concentration of standard NaOH: ___________
Brand name of the lawn food:

Concentration of standard HCl:

___________

______________________________________________________

Manufacturer's specifications for nitrogen content:

_________________

Mass of lawn food:

_________________

Titration
Initial reading

Final reading
Titre (mL)
Equations
NH4+ and OH-

excess OH- ions

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

Calculations
Average of your concordant titres:

____________________

Using your average titre, calculate the amount (ie no. of mole) of hydroxide ions reacting with the hydrochloric acid.

Calculate the amount of hydroxide ions pipetted into each conical flask.

Hence, calculate the amount of ammonium ions in a 20.00 mL aliquot of lawn food solution.

Calculate the amount of ammonium ions in your sample of lawn food.

.../over

16
Calculate the amount of nitrogen atoms in your sample of lawn food.

Calculate the mass of nitrogen atoms in your sample of lawn food.

Hence, calculate the percentage by mass of nitrogen atoms in your sample.

Questions
Compare your percentage with that of the manufacturer and account for any difference

As the fertiliser contains a small amount of insoluble material, a small error is introduced by including this insoluble
material in the standard flask. Suggest a way in which this error might be eliminated.

In this school, this exercise requires the laboratory technician to prepare about 30 L of approximately 0.1 M sodium
hydroxide solution. What property of solid sodium hydroxide means that the simple process of weighing out the
required mass of solid sodium hydroxide and dissolving it carefully in sufficient deionised water to give the required
volume of solution is inappropriate?

End of report.
Marks: *results-2, *equations-2, *calculations (1/2 + 1 4 + 1/2 + 1 + 1) = 7,
* Total 15 + (5 pre-prac test)

*questions-(2 + 1 + 1) = 4

17

2007 GRAVIMETRIC DETERMINATION OF SULFATE IN LAWN FOOD

(Trial SAC therefore does not count toward your VCAA study score)
Name : _____________________________Partner : _____________________Date:_______

Group:____

All entries in this document must be made in ink.

(Penalties apply for use of pencil and evidence of erasings).
O = 16.0, S = 32.1, Ba = 137.4
Ba2+(aq) + SO42-(aq) BaSO4(s)
Observations
Observations at Step :

Results
Brand name of the lawn food:

_______________________________________________________

Manufacturer's specification for sulfur content:

___________________

Mass of lawn food used:

___________________

Mass of named filter paper:

___________________

Mass of dried named filter paper plus BaSO4:

___________________

Calculations and Questions

Mass of dry BaSO4:

____________________

Calculate the amount (in mole) of BaSO4.

Calculate the amount of sulfur atoms in your sample of lawn food.

Calculate the mass of sulfur atoms in your sample of lawn food.

Determine the percentage of sulfur atoms by mass in your sample of lawn food.

.../over

18
Compare your percentage with that of the manufacturer and account for any difference.

Why is it necessary in Step to ensure that no sulfate ions remain in the solution?

Why is it appropriate to use an ionic equation to describe the reaction in this exercise?

+ a/ What are two sources of error in this analysis? Discuss their effect on your result.

b/ How could the effects of these errors be minimised?

End of report
Marks:

observations 11/2
results 2
calculations to 1/2 + 4 1 = 41/2
questions to + 1 + 1 + 1 + (2 + 2) = 7
Total 15