Name: Paris Jarrett

Problem Statement: Two unnamed black solids found in the lab are known to be either copper
(Il) oxide or carbon. Devise an appropriate method that will assist you in labeling them correctly,
using chemicals and apparatus found in the laboratory.
Hypothesis: One of the unnamed black solids is copper(II) oxide(CuO) and the other is carbon.
Aim: To determine which of the unnamed black solids are either copper(II) oxide or carbon
using chemical test.
Apparatus and Material: two test tubes, bunsen burner, test tube holder, distilled water,
hydrochloric acid, Spatula
Method:
1. Label two test tubes as "Unknown A" and "Unknown B."
2. Using the spatula, place a small amount of each black solid into the respective test tubes.
3. Add a few drops of hydrochloric acid to each sample.
4. Cover the solids completely and record the observations.
5. Based on the observations, identify and label the samples as either copper (II) oxide or
carbon.
Variables:
Manipulated: The type of unnamed black solid.
Controlled: The amount of unnamed black solid and hydrochloric acid used in each test.
Responding: Observations of the unnamed black solid when hydrochloric acid is added.
Data to be collected:
Table Showing Results of Tests to Identify Unknown Solids
Unknown Color change after HCL is
added
A
B

Interpretation of Data: Unknown A indicates the presence of copper(II) sulphate and unknown
B indicates the presence of carbon.
Expected Results: The solid in unknown A will react with hydrochloric acid and produce
bubbles of a colorless gas then turns the solution blue due to the formation of copper(II) chloride.
However, if it’s carbon, the solid in unknown B will not react with hydrochloric acid.
Limitations:
1. The presence of impurities or contaminants in the unknown samples could potentially
affect the accuracy of the test outcomes.
Precautions:
1. Handle hydrochloric acid (HCl) with care as it is corrosive.
2. Perform the experiment in an adequate area
Assumptions:
1. It is assumed that the unknown black solids provided are either copper (II) oxide or
carbon, with no other substances present.
2. The reactions observed during the experiment are assumed to be characteristic and
specific enough to distinguish between copper (II) oxide and carbon accurate
Name: Paris Jarrett
Problem Statement: A manufacturing company that makes ceramic is interested in
incorporating barium carbonate (BaCO3) or zinc carbonate (ZnCO3) into a new product. Due to
the risks of leaching into the liquids, the chosen carbonate must have an extremely low solubility
in water. Plan and design an investigation to determine which of the two compounds the
manufacturing company will choose.
Hypothesis: Barium Carbonate is more suitable for the new ceramic product.
Aim: To determine whether barium carbonate (BaCO3) or zinc carbonate (ZnCO3) is more
suitable for incorporation into the new ceramic product.
Apparatus and Materials: Barium carbonate (BaCO3) and zinc carbonate (ZnCO3) samples,
distilled water, Beakers, stirring rod, Measuring cylinder or pipette. pH meter or litmus paper
Method:
1. Label beakers for "Barium Carbonate" and "Zinc Carbonate."
2. Add 10 grams of each carbonate to its respective beakers.
3. Pour water to cover the samples, but not excessively.
4. Stir until dissolved and record initial pH.
5. Let sit for 24 hours, then record final pH.
6. Filter and measure pH of filtrate.
7. Compare pH changes to determine lower solubility.
8. Recommend the better carbonate for the product.
Variables:
Manipulated: The type of carbonate
Controlled: Volume of water
Responding: Solubility
Data to be collected:
Table Showing Solubility Comparison of Barium Carbonate and Zinc Carbonate
Experiment Carbonate Initial pH Final pH pH change Observations
1 Barium
carbonate
2 Zinc
carbonate

Interpretation of Data: Barium Carbonate is more suitable for the new ceramic product due to
its lower solubility and reduced leaching tendencies. On the other hand, if the data shows
unexpected results (e.g., higher solubility for Barium Carbonate or similar solubility for both
compounds), further investigation or additional experiments may be necessary to determine the
most suitable carbonate compound for the product.
Expected Results: The expected results are that barium carbonate will have lower solubility and
exhibit less leaching into water compared to zinc carbonate due to the generally lower solubility
of barium compounds
Limitations:
1. Limited precision due to the use of pH meters or litmus paper for measuring pH changes.
Precautions:
1. Wear safety goggles and gloves when handling carbonate compounds to prevent contact
with skin or eyes.
2. Use distilled water to avoid contamination
Assumptions:
1. Carbonate compounds will fully dissolve in water within the specified time frame.
2. pH changes directly correlate with carbonate ion release and solubility.