OSMOSIS

Experiment #: 5
Date : March 10, 2024
Title : Osmosis
Aim : To investigate the effects of osmosis on a potato tuber
Apparatus : a potato, chopping board or tile (plate will do), 3 cups or glasses,
Sharp knife, ruler, napkin, sugar solution (or salt), water
Method :
1. A glass was half-filled with tap water and a second with the sugar
solution.
2. The third glass was left empty. The glasses were labelled.
3. The potato was cut into three (3) strips of the same length and width. It
was made sure no skin was left on the potato strip.
4. Each strip was blotted with the napkin to remove excess moisture and
the initial length and width of each was measured.
5. One strip was placed into the glass with water, another into the sugar
solution and the third into the empty glass. They were left for 30
minutes.
6. The strips was removed and they were gently blotted. The strips were
re-measured.
7. Each strip was felt in turn to compare how flexible or stiff they are.
The differences were noted.
8. The results were recorded in a table.
Results :
The Results Of Potato Strips In Different Solutions
Tube Initial Initial Final Length Final Width Condition
Length (cm) Width (cm) (cm) (cm) (flexible/stiff)

Water 6 1 6.5 1.2 Stiff

Salt 6 1 6.6 0.8 Flexible

Solution

Nothing 6 1 6 1 Flexible

Discussion: Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable

membrane ,from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration. In this
experiment, a potato strip was used to observe osmosis. Potatoes are made of cells, and their
cell walls act as semipermeable membranes. When place in different substances, osmosis
influences the movement of water into or out of the potato cells, altering its physical
properties. When a potato strip is placed in a hypotonic solution (distilled water) which is a
lower solute concentration, therefore water moves into the cells, causing the potato to swell
and become stiff. When a potato strip is left in a hypertonic solution (salt solution), which is
of higher concentration, so water moves out of the cells, leading to plasmolysis, resulting in
the potato to shrink. When a potato strip is left in a dry environment, it will undergo
dehydration due to the loss of water through evaporation. Due to the potato strip containing
water within its cell and without a liquid surrounding it to maintain hydration, water
molecules will move from the cells to the drier environment (Petri dish). The result is
shrinkage and flexibility due loss of water.

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable

membrane. The relationship of water movement between osmosis and potato strip has caused
the moving in or out of water through the cells. The relationship of plasmolysis has causes
the contraction of the protoplast of the potato strip as a result of loss of water from the cells.
The relationship between the hypertonic solution and the potato strip , there is a higher solute
concentration inside of the hypertonic solution compared to the potato strip. The relationship
between hypotonic solution and the potato strip, there is a lower solute concentration inside
the hypotonic solution compared to the solute inside the potato strip. The relationship
between a dry environment and the potato strip, there is no low or high solute concentration
being compared, so dehydration occurs through evaporation leading to the water molecules to
move out of the potato strip’s cells. The trend of solute concentration vs. potato strip mass , in
hypotonic solutions, the concentration of water is lower in the solution than inside the potato cells, so the
potato strip will gain mass, meanwhile in hypertonic solution, the potato strip will lose mass, in contrast to
a drier environment , the potato strip will have constant mass. This is because water moves from an area of
lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through osmosis. The trend of solute
concentration vs. potato strip size, in hypotonic solutions (exhibited in distilled water), the potato strip will
increase in length and width. in hypertonic solutions (exhibited in salt solution), the potato strip will
decrease in length and width, meanwhile in the drier environment, the potato strip will have the same
length and width as before. The trend of solute concentration vs. potato strip firmness, in hypotonic
solutions, the potato strip will be firm and stiff due to water moving inside of the cells, in hypertonic
solutions, the potato strip will be flexible due to water moving out of the cells and in the drier environment,
the potato will also be flexible due to water moving out of the cells.

Salt solution (hypertonic solution) exhibits shrinkage which leads to decrease in

length and width with a flexible composure. Distilled water (hypotonic solution) exhibits swelling which
leads to increase in length and width with a stiffen composure. In a dry environment or no liquid, this
exhibits shrinkage, limpness and flexibility due to dehydration.
Trend: Hypotonic solutions- strips are swollen and stiffen
Trend: Hypertonic solutions- strips are flexible and shrunk
Trend: strips are flexible and remains constant size and mass
This cause by the movement of water moving in or out of the cells altering its size and mass.
Trend: Osmosis response behaviour- influences the appearance in response to the different
solutions.
The observed changes or results reprimand the principles of basic osmotic movement in cells.

Sources of Error : Measurement errors

Inconsistent sizes

Limitations : Variation of water in potato strip

Environmental factors ( Temperature)

Conclusion : In conclusion, the experiment showed that osmosis influences the

dimensions and rigidity of a potato strip. The strip contracted when in a high-solute solution
due to water exiting the cells. Conversely, in a low-solute solution, the strip expanded as
water was absorbed by the cells. In a dry environment, the strip remained the same,
highlighting osmosis’ function in regulating water flow in cells.
Reflection: Reflecting on the osmosis experiment, it's clear that balance is key in
nature and our daily lives. Just as cells strive for balance in solute concentration, we too
should aim for balance in our activities, work, and rest. This understanding can guide us to
maintain a healthy lifestyle, much like cells maintaining their health through osmosis. It's a
simple yet powerful lesson from a humble potato strip.

Chemistry Labs

Lab #: 5

Date: May 29, 2024

Topic: Preparation of an Insoluble Salt

Aim: To prepare an insoluble salt by reacting the solution of two soluble salts.

Apparatus: 100cm^3 beaker, measuring cylinder, funnel, filter paper,

potassium iodide, lead nitrate, conical flask

Procedure: 1) 25cm^3 of one solution was measured and added to the beaker.

2) The measuring cylinder was washed out thoroughly and 25cm^3

of the other solution was measured. Added to the solution in the

beaker and swirled to mix the contents.

3) The mixture was filtered, retaining the residue in the filter paper.

4) The residue was washed with distilled water and allowed to dry.

Observation: • The two solutions was colourless

• After the two substances was mixed together, it turned a bright

yellow precipitate.

• The filtrate was colourless.

• There was a yellow residue on the filter paper.

Discussion: 2KI(aq) + Pb(NO3)2(aq)→ PbI2(s)+ 2K(NO3)(aq)

A salt is a substance formed when a metal or ammonium ions

replaced some or all H+ ions in an acid. Insoluble salts can be prepared by
reacting two solutions, 1 containing the cations of the salt being prepared and
the other containing the anions. This is known as ionic precipitation. In ionic
precipitation reaction, the two soluble salts (Potassium iodide and Lead nitrate)
to form an insoluble salt (Lead iodide) and a soluble salt (potassium nitrate).
The salt resulting from the reaction, such as lead iodide (PbI2), is rinsed
with distilled water to remove impurities and by-products from the precipitate. Distilled
water, devoid of ions and contaminants, prevents the addition of more impurities. This rinsing
procedure cleanses the salt by dissolving and eliminating any leftover soluble substances, like
potassium nitrate K(NO3), ensuring the desired insoluble salt is obtained in its purest form.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the preparation of lead iodide (PbI2) using the

method of ionic precipitation successfully yielded a pure insoluble salt. By
mixing potassium iodide (KNO3) and lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2 in an aqueous
solution, lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) formed as a yellow precipitate. The
subsequent washing of the precipitate with distilled water effectively remove
soluble impurities, such as potassium nitrate (KNO3) ensuring the isolation of
pure lead iodide.

Experiment#: 6

Date: June 05, 2024

Aim: To show the reactions of acid with metals, bases and carbonate/hydrogen carbonates.

Apparatus: 6 test tube, test tube rack, test tube holder , dropping pipette, splint, bunsen
burner

Chemicals: Dilute hydrochloric acid, magnesium turnings, sodium carbonate, sodium

hydrogen carbonate, lime water (calcium hydroxide)

Procedure: 1. The test tube was labelled 1-5; a small amount of the following chemicals was
placed into the tubes.

Tube 1- magnesium turnings

Tube 2- copper oxide

Tube 3- sodium hydroxide

Tube 4- sodium carbonate

Tube 5- sodium hydrogen carbonate

 2. Tube 1 was held in a test tube holder over the sink and 5 cm cube of dilute
hydrochloric acid was carefully added. The gas given off was tested (effervescence) by

i) A lighted splint was held to the mouth of the test tube

ii) A dropping pipette was used for removing and bubbled into a test tube
containing lime water. Observed

3) 5 cm cube of hydrochloric acid was added to cube 2.

4) Warmed gently in a water bath for 1 minute Do Not Allow To Boil! The test
tube was left in the rack and observed.

5) 5 cm³ of hydrochloric acid was added to tube 3. The tube was shaked
carefully for about 1 minute and the tube was felt. The tube was left in the test tube rack and
observed.

6) Tube 4 was held by test tube holder over sink and 5 cm cube of hydrochloric
acid was carefully added. The gas given off (effervescence) was tested by:

i) A dropping pipette was used for removing and bubbled into a test tube
containing lime water. The lime water was observed.

ii) A lighted splint was held in the mouth of the tube while effervescence was
seen.

7) Repeat step 6 using test tube 5.

Observation:

Test Tube Observation

Tube 1 Pops when splint was placed

into the tube

Bubbles in lime juice

Magnesium turnings
dissolve

Tube 2 It changes from black to

translucent green

A residue of copper oxide is

left at the bottom of the test
tube

Tube 3 At 1st it was white

 After 1 minute it was
colorless

Sodium hydroxide dissolve

The test tube became hot

Tube 4 No sound when splint used

Lime water turn foggy white

and bubbles

Splint causes remains of

sodium carbonate to form on
top of hydrochloric acid.

Tube 5 No sound when splint used

Lime water turns foggy

whites and bubbles

Splint causes remains of

sodium hydrogen carbonate
to form on top of
hydrochloric acid

Discussion:  Tube 1 - Magnesium turnings (Mg):

Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

The gas given off is Hydrogen (H₂). It can be detected by bringing a lit splint near the mouth
of the test tube, which will cause a ‘pop’ sound due to the combustion of hydrogen.

 Tube 2 - Copper(II) oxide (CuO):

CuO(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CuCl2(aq) + H2O(l)

 Tube 3 - Sodium hydroxide (NaOH):

NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)

 Tube 4 - Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃):

Na2CO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

The gas given off is Carbon dioxide (CO₂). It can be detected by bubbling the gas through
limewater (a solution of calcium hydroxide), which turns the limewater milky due to the
formation of calcium carbonate.
 Tube 5 - Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃):

NaHCO3(s) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

The gas given off is also Carbon dioxide (CO₂), and it can be detected in the same way as in
Tube 4.

Conclusion: To put it simply, acids react in specific ways with metals, bases, carbonates,
and hydrogen carbonates. An acid reacting with a metal usually makes a salt and lets out
hydrogen gas. An acid and a base react to make a salt and water, which is called
neutralization. An acid reacts with a carbonate or a hydrogen carbonate to make a salt, water,
and carbon dioxide gas. These reactions are key to many chemical processes and show how
reactive acids are. Knowing these reactions helps us understand how acids behave in different
situations, from industry to nature.