Pioneering techniques of gravimetric analysis were used in 1914, by Harvard researchers to determine the atomic weights of 25 of the elements. Introduce your students to this same procedure through which the amount of an analyte or the ion being analyzed can be determined through the measurement of mass and comparing the masses of two compounds containing the analyte. The principle behind gravimetric analysis is that the mass of an ion in a pure compound can be determined and then used to find the mass percent of the same ion in a known quantity of an impure compound. This activity focuses on identifying an unknown metal carbonate. In order to do a gravimetric analysis, the cation forms an insoluble compound with chloride and this compound must also be pure and easily filtered. Includes materials for 15 setups.
Chemical contents:
Calcium Chloride Dihydrate
Unknown Carbonate Sample
Additional materials required:
400 mL Beakers
100 mL Graduated Cylinder
Funnels and filter paper
Watch glasses
Drying Oven
Bunsen burners or hot plates
Analytical balance
Crucible and cover
Ring stand and iron ring
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