Individual Labs





		Candle Lab
		Density Lab 
		 Atomic Theory


		 Chemical Formulas
		 Chemical Quantities - The Mole
		  Chemical Reactions


		  Thermochemistry
		Gas Laws
		 Equilibrium and Reaction Rates


Return to the Chem homepage.
 
 
 
 
 
Candle Lab

 This lab will test your skill of observation as well as investigate the seemingly simple process of a candle burning.

Procedure

    

  1. Obtain a candle, matches, a piece of string, toothpick, a piece of copper wire, aluminum foil square, stirring rod, and tongs.

  2. Record observations for the candle (unlit). List the states of matter present.

  3. Light the candle. Observe and record for 3 minutes. List the states of matter present while the candle is burning.

  4. Which state of matter is actually burning? Devise experiments to test each state. State briefly what you do and record all observations. Answer the question with support from your observations.

  5. Light the piece of string, record observations. Is the wax or the wick burning? What proof do you have to support your answer? Use your observations from this step and the previous step.

  6. Try using a 1/2 toothpick as a wick. Place it in the wax, far away from the regular wick. Light the toothpick. Record observations. What is the role of the wick in the candle? How does it help to keep the candle lit?

  7. Light the candle. Place the straight piece of copper wire over, but not in, the flame. Record observations.

  8. Wrap the wire around the stirring rod to make a tight coil. Remove it from the stirring rod. Use the tongs to hold the coil upright over the tip of the flame. Record observations. Explain the difference in your observations between this step and the previous step.

  9. Put away all materials, throw away the toothpick, used matches, aluminum foil, and burned string.






 
Density Lab

 This lab will refresh your memory on density and lab skills. You will need to find 
the density of four objects - a wood block, a metal block, a metal cylinder (measure the volume of the metal cylinder by two different methods), and a paper clip. You also will find the density of water. The second part of the lab involves determining whether a sample of antifreeze is pure. As extra credit, you can determine the percent of water in the sample, if it is not pure. (IB Chemistry - this part is required.) 

The following are the parts of the lab you will need to include in your writeup. Be sure to use the lab format handout as a guide.

    

  1. Introduction/Background:
State all prior information about density, be sure to define it. Clearly state the 
purposes of the lab.
    

  2. Hypothesis: List objects in order from most dense to least dense and give reasons.
    

  3. Procedure:
Write your own. Be sure that your steps are clear so that someone unfamiliar with 
the lab could follow them. You do not include calculation instructions in the procedure.
    

  4. Data:
Set up a clear, organized data table. Be sure to include all original data and units.
    

  5. Data Analysis:
Include one sample calculation for each calculation performed.
    
Example:
    
V (block) = L x W  x H = 2.00 cm  x  3.00 cm  x  3.00 cm = 18.0 cm3
    
Discuss your results - do they seem reasonable? Discuss your antifreeze sample as 
well.
    

  6. Evaluation:
Error analysis, be sure to mention how possible errors may affect results. Also discuss your two volume measurements for the graduated cylinder. Which do you think is more accurate and why?
    

  7. Conclusion:
 Briefly state your results. No new information should be introduced here.
    
  
     

     
Return to the Chem homepage.