Chemistry Lab Report

Aarav Verma

15 Feb 2019

Aim: To show that the empirical formula of magnesium oxide is MgO.

Background Information:

The empirical formula of a compound gives the lowest whole number ratio of the constituent
atoms that is consistent with the mass ratios measured by the experiment.

Magnesium metal reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere in a combustion reaction to produce
grey-white solid magnesium oxide. Magnesium responds vigorously when warmed with oxygen in
the air creating small sparks.

Apparatus:

Crucible

Magnesium Ribbon

Clay stand

Crucible lid

Weighing scale

Bunsen Burner

Marble Tile

Lighter

Tongs

Procedure:

1) Record the mass of the crucible and its lid together using the weighing scale.

2) Take a small amount of magnesium ribbon and place it in the crucible

3) Place the lid of the crucible on the crucible.

4) Measure the mass of the ribbons with the crucible and its lid using the weighing scale.

5) Place the crucible with magnesium ribbon in it on the clay stand using the tongs.

6) Tip the lid of the crucible to either side to ensure that air can enter the crucible.

7) Light a flame using the Bunsen burner and the lighter.

8) Let the magnesium flame combust completely for 10 to 12 minutes.

9) Lift the crucible and its lid using tongs and place it on the marble tile.

10) Allow the magnesium ribbons to cool down for 12- 15 minutes.

11) Record the mass of the crucible and its lid with magnesium oxide in it.

Precautions:

• Ensure that lab coat and safety goggles are used for safety.

• Ensure that the crucible and its lid are handled only using tongs.

• Ensure that the gap left through the lid is large enough for air to enter.

Calculations

Raw Data Table

Sr. No. Item(s) Mass (in gram)

1 Crucible + Lid 23.51 g

2 Crucible + Lid + Magnesium 23.81 g

3 Crucible + Lid + Residue 23.90 g

Processed Data Table

Sr. No. Item(s) Mass (in gram)

1 Crucible + Lid 23.51 ± 0.01g

2 Crucible + Lid + Magnesium 23.81 ± 0.01g

3 Crucible + Lid + Residue 23.90 ± 0.01 g

Conclusion

After complete combustion of magnesium, a greyish white solid residue of Magnesium Oxide is
observed.

The mass of Magnesium is found to be

The mass of Oxygen is found to be