Soubhik Das 7 September 2010

Tommy Brown Lab #3

Gravimetric Analysis of a Metal Carbonate

I.Purpose

The purpose of this lab is to determine the identity of an unknown Group I metal
carbonate. This can be accomplished by using gravimetric analysis, a process in which the
masses of a compound and its derivative, after purification, are compared in order to
determine the identity of the derivative.

II. Prediction(s) With Theoretical Support

We predict that the identity of the unknown metal is an alkaline metal because, since
the formula of the unknown compound is M2CO3, two atoms of the unknown metal will have a
neutral charge when paired with carbonate.

III. Procedure

The controlled variables in this experiment include the masses of the crucible and the
filter paper, along with the apparatus of the experiment .Since the crucible and the filter paper
are weighed and accounted for in the experiment calculations, they cannot possibly affect the
outcome of the experiment. The apparatus of the experiment, including the stand, ring
support, triangle pipe stem, and Bunsen burner is also a controlled variable because these
aspects of the experiment are not varied from trial to trial . The independent variable is the
compound that is dried and weighed on the filter paper . This is the independent variable
because, since these compounds are altered from trial to trial, they affect the outcome of the
experiment. The control group is the unknown compound, M2CO3 . The experimental group is
calcium carbonate because, in this group, the independent variable is altered . The dependent
variables in this experiment are the masses of the dried compounds on the filter paper . These
masses are affected by the alteration of the experimental variable .

In this experiment, the Group I Metal Carbonate is weighed and dissolved in water .
Then, a solution of calcium chloride is added to the metal carbonate solution to precipitate the
carbonate ions as calcium carbonate . The precipitate is filtered using filter paper, dried, and
weighed on an analytical scale; and from this data, the formula weighed and identity of the
unknown Group I Metal Carbonate can be determined.