Alex T.

Zhao
Mr. Kerr
IB Chem HL
October 29, 12
Empirical formula of magnesium oxide
Background:
The empirical formula of a compound is the simplest value of
the ratio of atoms of each element in the compound. In this
experiment, we will determine the empirical formula of magnesium
oxide
Equipment:
Balance
Crucible and lid
Bunsen
Magnesium ribbon (0.2 g,
about 20cm)

IB Chemistry HL Lab 4

Steel wool
Crucible tongs
Pipe clay triangle
Tripod

October 29, 2012

Setup:

Data Collection:
Criterion
Mass of crucible and lid
Mass of crucible, lid and
magnesium
Mass of magnesium
Mass of crucible, lid and
magnesium oxide
Mass of magnesium oxide
Mass of oxygen combined with
magnesium

Mass (g0.01g)
33.20
33.56
0.36 (33.56-33.20)
33.77
0.57 (33.77-33.20)
0.21 (0.57-0.36)

Processing of results, and questions

1. The mass of the magnesium reacted is 0.36 0.01 grams.
The mass of oxygen combined with the magnesium is 0.21
0.01 grams.
2. Calculating the empirical formula of Magnesium Oxide:
Magnesium
Oxygen
0.36g
0.21g
Divide by
0.36/24.31=0.01480 0.21/16.00=0.0131
Molar mass to
8
25
find number of
mols
Divide by
0.014808/0.013
0.013125/0.013125
small
=1.12
=1
Coefficient:
1
1
Thus, the empirical formula for Magnesium oxide is MgO.
3. Water is a very heavy substance in terms of laboratory work.
The air contains traces of water vapor; as a result, the crucible

and lid were heated to evaporate any traces of water vapor to

ensure accurate measurements.
4. Some sources of errors include:
Letting magnesium gas escape while lifting crucible lid
(provide oxygen for reaction),
Not evaporating all the water when weighing Crucible,
The Uncertainty of balance used,
Not cleaning the magnesium ribbon enough to remove all
traces of pre-existing oxidation,
Not allowing all magnesium to react before terminating
experiment.