Properties of Matter Lab
Purpose: Many forms of matter can be grouped together based on their shared properties.
These properties include if they can conduct an electric current, are flammable, color, and
ability to dissolve in water.
Introduction: One of the principle techniques used by chemists is the classification of
various types of matter according to their physical and chemical properties. This
experiment appears short, but there is a lot to it. You will be given several samples of
matter and you are to gather as much information as can about each one. You will use
standard laboratory equipment: scoopulas, well plates, transfer pipets, and test tubes. You
will also use a special device called a conductivity tester. As its name implies, the
conductivity tester is used to determine whether or not a solid or a liquid can conduct an
electric current. Its use will be demonstrated in class.
Materials:
Equipment
Lab apron
Goggles
Conductivity tester
Well plate
Transfer pipets
Universal indicator
100 ml Beaker
Solids
Steel wool (iron)
Magnesium pieces
Ammonium chloride
Sucrose (table sugar)
Sodium carbonate
Copper sulfate crystals
Sodium chloride
Liquids
Acetone
Isopropanol (rubbing alcohol)
Tap water
Vinegar
Household ammonia
Safety:
1. Most of the chemicals can be toxic if ingested or inhaled.
2. Use the wafting technique to determine the odor of certain chemicals.
Procedure:
1. Fill a 100mL beaker with about 50mL of water.
2. Place a small sample of each material into each well of your well plate. (Tip of a
scoopula for a solid, 5-10 drops for a liquid)
3. Record the color, odor, and texture of each material. Be specific - examples
include: shine, smooth, grainy, etc.
4. Add 5-10 drops of tap water to each material to see if it is soluble (dissolves) or
insoluble (does not dissolve).
*For a liquid: is soluble in water if water disappears into solution. If there
is a clear indication that the
5. Place 2-3 drops of Universal Indicator to each well to see if the material is acidic
or basic. Record the color and identify if it is acidic, neutral, or basic.
6. Place the conductivity tester into each sample. Wipe with a paper towel or tissue
between samples. Record whether the material weakly, moderately, or strongly
conducts an electric current.
a. Weak conductor – only red light
b. Moderate conductor – red light and weak green light
c. Strong conductor – both red and green light
7. Place waste in the bucket located inside the hood.
8. Clean all well plates, beakers, and lab benches thoroughly before leaving the lab
area.
9. The instructor will conduct the flammability tests as a demonstration. Record your
observations in your data table.
Data Table:
Material
Steel wool
(iron)
Magnesium
pieces
Ammonium
chloride
Sucrose (table
sugar)
Sodium
carbonate
Copper sulfate
crystals
Sodium chloride
Color
Odor
Solubility
Acid/Base
Conductivity
Flammability
Acetone
Isopropanol
Tap water
Vinegar
Household
ammonia
Conclusion:
Write a conclusion that answers the following questions:
Based on your results, what materials can be grouped together based on their
shared properties?
What generalization can you make about the connection between solubility and
the ability to conduct an electric current?
What generalizations can you make about acidic and basic properties? What about
flammability?