Solutions and Their Reactions

Introduction-
In this lab the single replacement reaction between copper sulfate and zinc takes place,
and also the exothermic, decomposition reaction of hydrogen peroxide with a catalyst of
manganese dioxide takes place. A chemical reaction is a process that leads to the transformation
of one set of chemical substances to another.
Safety-
For safety purposes, this lab requires goggles and an optional lab apron. Some hazards
are involved when dealing with these substances. The following are acute health affects
hydrogen peroxide has potentially:
Very hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant).
Hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive), of eye contact (corrosive), of ingestion,
Slightly hazardous in case of inhalation (lung sensitizer).
Liquid or spray mist may produce tissue damage particularly on mucous membranes of
eyes, mouth and respiratory tract.
Skin contact may produce burns.
Inhalation of the spray mist may produce severe irritation of respiratory tract,
characterized by coughing, choking, or shortness of breath.
Prolonged exposure may result in skin burns and ulcerations.
Over-exposure by inhalation may cause respiratory irritation. Inflammation of the eye is
characterized by redness, watering, and itching.
Skin inflammation is characterized by itching, scaling, reddening, or, occasionally,
blistering.
Some chronic effects include:
The substance is toxic to lungs, mucous membranes.
Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.
Manganese dioxide Potential Acute Health Effects:
Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of
inhalation.
Potential Chronic Health Effects:
The substance may be toxic to blood, the nervous system, liver, central nervous system
(CNS). Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs
damage.
Copper Sulfate Potential Acute Health Effects:
Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant).
Slightly hazardous in case of ingestion
Non-corrosive for skin.
Potential Chronic Health Effects:
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for mammalian somatic cells. [Copper sulfate
pentahydrate].
The substance may be toxic to kidneys, liver. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the
substance can produce target organs damage.
Repeated exposure to a highly toxic material may produce general deterioration of
health by an accumulation in one or many human organs.
Zinc Potential Acute Health Effects:
Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of
ingestion, of inhalation.
Procedure-
1. Put on goggles and lab apron and place paper towel in your work area.
2. Fill a test tube half full of copper sulfate solution and find the temperature of the solution.
3. Submerge a piece of aluminum foil in the copper sulfate solution and then measure the
temperature of the solution. Write down any change in temperature and all other
observations in the data table. CAUTION: try to avoid splashing the chemicals onto your
skin or clothing because they are irritants. Wash off any chemicals that do come in
contact with your skin.
4. Fill a test tube half full of hydrogen peroxide. Find the temperature of the solution.
5. Use the spatula to drop a small amount of manganese dioxide into the hydrogen peroxide.
(Note: The manganese dioxide is not a reactant in this reaction; it simply speeds up the
reaction.) Measure the temperature of the solution. Record any change in temperature and
all other observations in the data table.
Results-
Qualitative Observations
Hydrogen peroxide Bubbles
Heat change
Turns gray/ cloudy when
Manganese dioxide is entered
Copper sulfate and Zinc Zinc turns black color and then orange
Few but apparent bubbles
Solution turns lighter blue

Copper sulfate and zinc Hydrogen peroxide

Time (sec) Temperature
(Celsius)
0 23
5 23
10 23
15 23
20 23
25 23
30 23
35 23
40 23
45 23
50 23
55 23


Time (sec) Temperature
(Celsius)
0 23
5 24
10 25
15 26
20 27
25 28
30 28
35 28
40 28
45 29
50 29
55 30