Show concrete evidence of Lavoisier's 1778 determination that combustion was a reaction of oxygen in the air with a sample of matter. In this experiment, students utilize this technique to experimentally determine the empirical formula of magnesium oxide. The quantitative stoichiometric relationships governing mass and amount are studied using the combustion reaction of magnesium metal. Magnesium is reacted with oxygen from the air in a crucible, and the masses before and after the oxidation are measured. The resulting masses are then used to calculate the experimental empirical formula of magnesium oxide, which is compared to the theoretical empirical formula. Includes materials for 15 setups.
Chemical Contents:
Magnesium Metal Ribbon
Additional Materials required:
Crucibles with cover
Tongs
Bunsen burners
Ring stands and triangle pipe stems
Analytical balance
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