Laboratory Techniques Lab Report

Option Two: Intermolecular Strength Hands-on Lab

Instructions: For this investigative phenomenon, compare the intermolecular strengths of two
substances by comparing their boiling points. Intermolecular strength refers to the force of
attraction between atoms or molecules within a substance. Substances with stronger attractions
between molecules will need more kinetic energy to overcome these attractive forces. The
heating of a substance is the transfer of thermal energy to kinetic energy within molecules.

Record your observations and test measurements in the lab report below. You will submit your
completed report.

Title:

Objective(s):

Hypothesis:

Make a prediction about the intermolecular strengths of the two substances you plan to test. How
is the boiling point of a substance influenced by intermolecular forces?

Procedure:

In this section, plan and list the materials used and a summary of the steps you followed for your
experiment. In addition, list and explain your controlled variables, independent variable, and
dependent variable for this lab.

Here are criteria to consider when you decide on materials, variables, and the steps to
complete:

 Remember, controlled variables are factors that remain the same throughout the
experiment. An independent (test) variable changes so that the experimenter can see the
effect on other variables. The dependent (outcome) variable will change in response to
the test variable.

 Conduct your experiment under the supervision of an adult.

 The boiling point of water is 100 °C, or 212 °F. This is the controlled variable to which
you should compare the boiling points of your two substances.
  Select safe substances to boil. Here are some options. Make sure to list the units used to
measure your substance.
o Apple juice, orange juice, or milk
o Any type of vinegar
o Cooking wine
o Saltwater

 Keep your heat source at medium heat or lower, and never leave your laboratory
workspace unattended.

 You need a thermometer to measure the temperature of the substance as it increases to its
boiling point. Suggested intervals for measurement are every two to four minutes,
depending on the setting of your heat source. Record these values in the data table.

 You need to use the same heat source, thermometer, and container type (pot) for boiling
each substance to keep things consistent.

 Once your substance has reached a boil (large bubbles breaking at the surface of the
liquid), take two additional temperature measurements before removing it from the heat.

 Plan three trials of your experiment. This means you will repeat your procedures three
times for each substance.

Data:

Type the results of your tests in the data table below. Don't forget to record measurements with
the correct number of significant figures. Hint: Using the same instrument, you should have
the same number of digits to the right of the decimal (all masses, then all volumes, etc.).

Temperatures Data

Select the time intervals for your experiment (1 minute, 2 minutes). Replace the Time 1, 2, 3
with these values. Add more columns for time if needed. List the temperatures of the substances
while heating at each of these intervals.

  Time Time Time Time Time Time Time Time Time

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Substance 1                  
Substance 2                  
Boiling Point Data

Part I: Boiling Point of Substance 1

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Volume of liquid (unit of measurement?)      

Boiling point of substance (Fahrenheit or Celsius?)      

Part II: Boiling Point of Substance 2

Volume of liquid (unit of measurement?)      

Boiling point of substance (Fahrenheit or Celsius?)      

Conclusion:

Write a conclusion statement that addresses the following questions:

 Compare the boiling points of water to your tested substances.

 Explain why comparing the boiling points of substances allows you to infer the strength
of intermolecular forces.
 Compare the intermolecular forces of water to your substances.
 Do your data support or fail to support your hypothesis (include examples)?
 How do you think the investigation can be tested further?

Post Lab Reflection Questions:

Answer the reflection questions using what you have learned from the lesson and your
experimental data. It will be helpful to refer to your chemistry journal notes. Answer in complete
sentences.

1. How would you determine the proper number of significant figures for the volume of
liquid using your measuring equipment? For example, if you used a kitchen measuring
cup with measurement intervals on the side, how would you report the measurement in
the correct number of significant figures?
2. Are the boiling point temperatures for both substances precise and accurate? Explain your
answers.
3. Why were the substances you selected appropriate for investigating the strength of
intermolecular forces? (Hint: compare the compositions of your substances and describe
any patterns you observe)

4. Using your knowledge of boiling points and intermolecular forces, why do you think
rubbing alcohol dries so quickly from your skin? (Hint: use the patterns you observe in
properties to help explain this)