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Name: ..

Class: 4 Einstein / 2009

Date: .

Chapter 3 Chemical Formulae and Equations

(Laboratory Activity 2)
Title:

The empirical formula

Aim:

To determine the empirical formula of magnesium oxide.

Apparatus:
.
.
Materials:
.

.
Procedure:

Do not touch hot equipment!

1.

A crucible together with its lid was weighted.

2.

A strip of magnesium ribbon was cleaned with a piece of sandpaper. The magnesium ribbon was then coiled
and placed in the crucible.

3.

The crucible together with its lid and the content in it were weighed.

4.

The apparatus as shown was set up.

5.

The crucible was heated with a strong flame without its lid.

6.

When the magnesium started to burn, the crucible was covered with its lid.

7.

A pair of tongs was used to lift the lid slightly from time to time to allow air in.

8.

When the burning was complete, the lid was removed and the crucible was continued to be heated strongly
for one or two minutes.

9.

The crucible was allowed to cool down to room temperature. The crucible together with the lid and the
content in it were then weighed again.

10. The process of heating, cooling and weighing was repeated until a constant mass was obtained. The
constant mass obtained was recorded.

Observations:
. are produced during the heating. The .. turns into a ... when
they are cooled.

Results:
Description
Mass of crucible + lid
Mass of crucible + lid + magnesium ribbon
Mass of crucible + lid + magnesium oxide

Mass / g

Inference:
The white fumes or white solid is . The increase of the mass of crucible together with
the lid and the content in it shows that the magnesium ribbon has reacted with ..
Discussions:
1.

Based on your results, determine the empirical formula of magnesium oxide.

[Ar: Mg=24, O=16]

2.

The magnesium ribbon was cleaned with sandpaper before it was heated to remove the layer of
.. on its surface.

3.

The lid was lifted slightly from time to time during the heating to make sure the is
completely ..with and to allow air in.

4.

The crucible covered with the lid as soon as the magnesium started burning to avoid .
(.) produced from being to the air.

5.

The purpose of repeating the process of heating, cooling and weighing until a . mass was
obtained is to make sure the .. is completely reacted with ..

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Conclusion:

.
...