Featured LAB: Classifying Substances

Featured LAB

Classifying Substances

image
Ken Karp Photography

Materials

  • bulb with wires

  • 9-volt battery with snap connector

  • wire with stripped ends

  • 100 mL beakers

  • paper clips

  • salt, NaCl

  • sand, SiO2

  • paraffin wax, C20H42

  • calcium chloride, CaCl2

  • copper, Cu

  • copper (II) sulfate, CuSO4

  • aluminum foil, Al

  • sucrose, C12H22O11

  • distilled water, H2O

Purpose

To investigate the properties of substances.

Predictions and Data

Predict whether each substance will conduct electricity and whether it will dissolve in water. Make a table for your predictions and data.

Procedure

  1. image

    Assemble your conductivity tester as shown.

  2. Take your conductivity tester to each station. Test the pure substance for conductivity.

  3. Next, observe the substance in water. Did the substance dissolve?

  4. Finally, test the substance mixed with the distilled water in the second beaker for conductivity. Record your results in a data table.

    image

    Analysis

  5. Group the substances according to their properties. How do your results compare with your predictions? What do the substances in each group have in common? Summarize your findings in a paragraph.