Types of Chemical Reactions

PURPOSE: The purpose of this lab is to observe and classify various chemical reactions, predict
the products, and write a balanced chemical equation for each reaction.

INTRODUCTION: There are many types of chemical reactions. The most common types are
Synthesis, Decomposition, Single Replacement, Double Replacement, and Combustion. As you
perform this experiment, be sure to record ALL of your observations in detail. A Flaming Splint
Test may be used to help determine the identity of a gas. A hot water bath often speeds up a
reaction but should be used only when indicated in the procedure.

Flaming Splint Test

1. Test tubes should be held with a test tube holder, placed in a clamp on a ring stand, or put
in a test tube rack.
2. Light a wood splint with a match, extinguish the match, and dispose of the match in the
garbage. Crucible tongs may be used to hold the splint.
3. Hold the flaming splint in the mouth of the test tube.
4. A “popping” sound indicates the presence of hydrogen gas.
5. If the flaming splint is extinguished, the presence of carbon dioxide gas is indicated.
6. If a glowing splint (not flaming) bursts into flames, the presence of oxygen is indicated.
7. Used splints should be thoroughly extinguished with water and placed in the garbage.

Caution: Flaming Splints are to be used only as described in the procedure! When testing for a
gas, always point the mouth of the test tube away from you and anyone else.

Hot Water Bath

1. A hot water bath can be made by heating a beaker of water on a hot plate.
2. The water should not overflow when objects are placed in the beaker.
3. The water does not need to boil.

SAFETY:
1. Goggles must be worn at all times.
2. The hydrochloric acid should be handled carefully and should NOT be removed from the
exhaust hood.

PROCEDURE: There are several experiments listed below. For EACH experiment you will:
1. Write a short procedure using pictures or words.
2. Record detailed observations throughout the reaction.
3. Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction, including symbols indicating the
physical state of each substance.
4. Identify the type of reaction using the categories listed above.

EXPERIMENT 1
Heat one scoop of hydrated cobalt chloride in a test tube over a Bunsen burner. Once a change
has been observed, throw the product into the cobalt waste container located in the exhaust hood.
Rinse test tube clean.

EXPERIMENT 2
On a clean, dry watch glass, place a drop of potassium iodide solution on a drop of lead (II)
LAB RXN TYPES
nitrate solution. Rinse watch glass into lead waste container located in the exhaust hood and dry.

EXPERIMENT 3
Place a few pieces of calcium metal turnings into a test tube filled half full of water. Allow
sufficient time for the reaction to proceed. (Covering the mouth of the test tube with your thumb
may create a higher concentration of product.) Uncover the test tube and immediately place a
flaming splint at the mouth of the test tube. Throw any solid product in the garbage and pour
liquid product down the drain.

EXPERIMENT 4
In the front fume hood, take a strip of copper metal and clean it with steel wool. Place 4-7
crystals of Iodine onto the “folded” copper strip. Holding the strip with tongs and keeping it level,
heat the copper and iodine. After 30 seconds, let the product cool. Then bend the remaining
copper so that the product flakes off. Throw product in the garbage.

EXPERIMENT 5
Add 20 drops of 1M sodium hydroxide solution into a small test tube. Add 1 drop of
phenolphthalein acid-base indicator to the test tube and mix the solution by gently swirling the
tube. Add 1 M hydrochloric acid solution one drop at a time to the test tube. Count the number
of drops of acid required for a permanent color change to be observed. Pour liquid product down
the drain with copious amounts of water.

EXPERIMENT 6
Put 2-3 ml of copper chloride solution into a test tube and add a small sample of aluminum. Heat
for 3 minutes in a hot water bath. Throw any solid product in the garbage and pour liquid product
down the drain.

EXPERIMENT 7
Place a small sample of zinc metal into a test tube. Add approximately 2-3 mL of 6 molar
hydrochloric acid. CAUTION; Hydrochloric acid is corrosive. When a noticeable reaction begins
to take place, a flaming splint should be held over the mouth of the test tube. Throw any solid
product in the garbage and pour liquid product down the drain.

EXPERIMENT 8
Add 1 mL (20 drops) of ethanol to a clean evaporating dish. Cap the alcohol bottle and remove
it from the work area. Fill a test tube 1/3 full of tap water. Using an aim-n-flame, ignite the
alcohol. Place the test tube containing cold water in a test tube clamp and hold the test tube
above the burning alcohol. Observe the outside of the test tub for evidence of product formation.
Allow the alcohol to burn until it is completely consumed. DO NOT touch the hot evaporating
dish.

EXPERIMENT 9 -- Teacher Demo

Fill a 1L beaker of water 2/3 full with water. Set aside. Carefully open the sodium jar and cut a
2mm x 2mm piece of sodium on a watch glass with a knife or spatula. Close the lid of the sodium
and put out of reach. Turn lights low. Drop the sodium in the water and immediately place wire
mess over beaker. Add indicator to show products.

EXPERIMENT 10 – Teacher Demo--- Set up electrolysis apparatus.

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