Finding the Number of Moles of Magnesium and Oxygen in Magnesium Oxide

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IGCSE Practical Assessment

Finding the Number of Moles of Magnesium and Oxygen in Magnesium Oxide

Aim

The aim of this experiment is to burn a known mass of magnesium in air and to find the mass of the magnesium oxide produced. Using the results, you can then calculate the number of moles of magnesium and the number of moles in magnesium oxide.

Apparatus

- Crucible & lid

- 10 cm length of magnesium ribbon  

- Sandpaper

- Tripod

- Pipe clay triangle

- Bunsen burner

- Tongs.

Method

1. Before the experiment, find the total mass of the crucible and the lid.

2. Clean a 10cm length of magnesium ribbon using sandpaper, then coil the        magnesium ribbon and place it inside the crucible. Find the total mass of the magnesium ribbon, crucible and the lid. Note the appearance of the magnesium.

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3. Place the crucible (with the lid on) on a pipe clay triangle supported on a tripod. Heat the crucible with a strong Bunsen burner flame.

4. Lift the lid carefully with tongs every 10 seconds to let the air enter the crucible. Keep heating the crucible until the reaction is complete. Remember to note any changes occurring during the reaction and the appearance of the contents of the crucible at the end of the experiment.

5. Let the crucible cool down, then find the total mass of the contents, crucible, and the lid.

6. Use the results to calculate ...

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