Topic 1.

2 – Obtaining and using experimental data for deriving empirical formulas from reactions involving mass
changes

 Conducting an inquiry to calculate the percentage composition of a compound

 To determine the empirical formula of a substance

Metal oxides are formed when a metal is reacted with oxygen. In this lab, you will convert Magnesium metal (an
element) to magnesium oxide (a compound). Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal, which reacts vigorously when
heated in the presence of air to produce magnesium oxide and magnesium nitride. We only want magnesium oxide,
however, so water is added to react with the magnesium nitride and convert it to magnesium hydroxide. This is then
further oxidized by burning to convert all of the Mg to magnesium oxide. Based on the weights of the reactants and the
product, the percent composition of the product can be found. Using this information, the empirical formula of the
oxide, MgxOy can be determined.

Purpose: To determine the empirical formula of magnesium oxide by oxidizing magnesium.

Materials:
 Magnesium ribbon
 Steel wool
 Bunsen burner
 Retort stand
 Clay triangle
 Flint lighter
 Balance
 Metal crucible and lid
 Crucible tongs
 Iron ring
 Wire gauze
Safety:
Burning magnesium produces a very bright white flame. DO NOT look directly at the flame as it can damage your eyes.
Crucibles can become very hot but still look cold. Be careful around any crucibles because they may be extremely hot.
Always use crucible tongs to carry crucibles carefully; this is also so that oils and impurities from your body do not get
onto them.
Procedure:
Prior to starting:

 Practice using the tongs to pick up the lid from the crucible and the crucible from the clay triangle. Practice
placing the lid partially over the crucible so that there is a gap of about 0.5 cm (the lid should rest on the crucible
edge.
 Wash a metal crucible and lid, then place over a flame for 3 minutes to remove water, oils, or other
contaminants. Remove from the flame and cool the crucible with lid.

1) Record the mass of the crucible to 0.001 g ± 0.01 g once it has cooled.
2) Obtain about 8 cm of magnesium ribbon, and clean it with steel wool. Wrap the ribbon into a loose coil so that
it will sit inside the crucible.
3) Measure and record the mass of the crucible + magnesium.
4) Set up a retort stand with an iron ring attached to it. Rest a clay triangle on the iron ring. You should now be
able to rest the crucible containing the magnesium securely on the clay triangle. Adjust the height of the iron
ring so that the bottom of the crucible is 5-7 cm above the top of the barrel of the Bunsen burner.
 5) Place the crucible lid on slightly off-centre on the crucible to allow air to enter but prevent magnesium from
escaping.
6) Heat the crucible strongly with the Bunsen burner until some smoke is produced. Stop heating, and wait for the
smoke to stop. Carefully look inside. If the material is mostly white, go to the next step, otherwise repeat steps
5 and 6.
7) Remove the lid and heat strongly until the bottom of the crucible is glowing dull red.
8) Let the crucible cool. Measure and record the mass of the crucible + product.
9) Heat the crucible to red-hot again, with the lid off, then repeat step 8.
10) Compare the mass from step 8 and 9. IF the mass difference is less than 0.01g, then you may stop. Otherwise
repeat this step until there is less than 0.01g difference. (This is called, ‘heating to constant mass’).

Observations:
Mass (±0.01g) Observations
Mass of clean, dry crucible + lid

Mass of crucible, lid + Mg

Mass of crucible, lid + product (MxOy)

Mass of crucible, lid + product (MxOy)

Analysis: Show all calculations and units.

1. What is the mass of oxygen that reacted with the magnesium? Show all your steps.

2. Determine the number of moles of magnesium and oxygen.

3. Determine the empirical formula of magnesium oxide, based on your results.

4. What is the empirical percent composition by mass of magnesium oxide in your crucible?

5. What is the actual formula of magnesium oxide, based on your nomenclature knowledge? How does the
empirical formula compare?

6. Calculate your percent error (PE) by finding the difference between the actual mass percent (AP) of magnesium
and the experimental mass percent (EP) of magnesium from the formula in questions 4. Then divided the
difference by the actual mass percent of magnesium and multiply by 100%.
PE = /AP – EP/ x 100%
AP