Investigation to find out the empirical formula of magnesium oxide.

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Investigation to find out the empirical formula of magnesium oxide.

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Aim.

To find out the empirical formulae for magnesium-oxide

Introduction.

The empirical formula of a compound tells us the types of atoms present in a compound as well as the simplest whole-number ratio of the different types of atoms. The empirical formula does not tell us the actual number of atoms in the molecule.

The mass of Mg + the mass of O2=mass of MgxOx. Knowing the mass of magnesium used and the mass of magnesium oxide produced you can determine the mass of oxygen used. The ratio between number of moles of magnesium used and number of moles of oxygen used can be calculated and the empirical formula can be written on the basis of this ratio.

Prediction.

I predict that magnesium can and will join with oxygen to become magnesium oxide (MgO) because magnesium is in group 2 and can has -2 bands. Both magnesium and oxygen need to join each other to lose or gain electrons.

Magnesium:

Oxygen:

Mg²+O²¯=MgO

When magnesium and oxygen coincide they cancel each other out and therefore are completely compatible.

Apparatus.

1. Bunsen burner

2. Tripod

3. Gauze

4. Crucible and Lid

5. Tongs

6. Heatproof mat

7. Safety glasses

8. Magnesium

Diagram.

Method.

1. Place a clean, dry crucible (check for any cracks) with its cover on a clay triangle supported by a tripod. Adjust the flame of a Bunsen burner so that the crucible is just above the hot part of the flame. Heat the crucible strongly for five minutes. The bottom of the crucible should glow red during the heating.

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2. Remove the crucible, using the crucible tongs, and place it on the ceramic pad to cool. After the crucible has cooled to room temperature (this will take about ten minutes), weigh it with its cover on an analytical balance to 0.001 g. Record the weight on the data sheet.

3. Weigh out 0.3g of magnesium and place it into the crucible. Weigh the magnesium, crucible and cover on an analytical balance. Record the weight to 0.001 g.

4. At frequent intervals, remove the burner and slightly lift the crucible lid using tongs, quickly replacing the lid so as to lose as ...

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