Reactions in Our World Lab Report
Instructions: In this laboratory activity, you will be comparing chemical reactions to nuclear
reactions by observing chemical phenomena in action. To prepare for your observations and
data collection, you must complete the pre-lab activity worksheet that goes with this lab.
Otherwise, you will not have the chemical equations you need to match each chemical reaction.
Fill in each section of this lab report and submit it to your instructor for grading.
Title:
Objective(s):
Hypothesis:
1. You will complete your hypotheses using the chart below and the balanced equations
from your pre-lab activity. In each row, predict the reaction type(s) for each chemical
reaction. Reaction type options are synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, double
displacement, acid-base reaction, combustion, and oxidation-reduction. Some reactions
can fit more than one type of reaction.
Chemical Reaction
Iron and copper (II) sulfate
solution
Lead (II) nitrate and potassium
iodide solutions
Magnesium metal and
hydrochloric acid solution
Electrolysis of water
Burning magnesium
Prediction of Reaction Type
I predict the reaction between _____ and _____ will yield a
__________ reaction/s.
I predict the reaction between _____ and _____ will yield a
__________ reaction/s.
I predict the reaction between _____ and _____ will yield a
__________ reaction/s.
I predict the reaction between _____ and _____ will yield a
__________ reaction/s.
I predict the reaction between _____ and _____ will yield a
__________ reaction/s.
Procedures:
Access the virtual lab and complete all sections of the experiments. A summary of steps has been
provided for you. List and explain your controlled variables, independent variable, and
dependent variable for this lab.
Materials:
Reactions in our World Virtual Lab
Variables:
List your controlled variables, independent variable, and dependent variable for each
experiment in the chart below. Remember, controlled variables are factors that remain the
same throughout the experiment. An independent (test) variable changes so that the
experimenter can see the effect on other variables. The dependent (outcome) variable will
change in response to the test variable.
Chemical Reaction
Controlled
Variables
Independent
Variable
Dependent
Variable
Iron and copper (II) sulfate solution
Lead (II) nitrate and potassium iodide
solutions
Magnesium metal and hydrochloric acid
solution
Electrolysis of water
Burning magnesium
Summary of Steps:
1. Iron and copper (II) sulfate solution
Fill a small test tube halfway with copper (II) sulfate solution. Add a 2.0-gram
iron rod to the solution and observe the reaction.
2. Lead (II) nitrate and potassium iodide solutions
Pour about 2.0 mL of lead (II) nitrate into the test tube. Add 5 to 10 drops of
potassium iodide solution to the test tube and record your observations of the
reaction.
3. Magnesium metal and hydrochloric acid solution
Place one scoop of magnesium turnings into the test tube. Add hydrochloric acid
slowly and observe the reaction. Next, place a burning splint near the mouth of
the test tube to test for the presence of hydrogen gas.
4. Electrolysis of water
Use a U-tube with electrodes at each end, connected to a battery. Fill the U-tube
with water. Turning on the battery, observe the results at each electrode. Next, test
for hydrogen and oxygen gas produced at each end of the tube.
5. Burning magnesium
Place magnesium ribbon in a clean crucible (on a clay triangle above a Bunsen
burner). Heat until the magnesium begins to burn.
Data:
Complete a data table that includes reaction observations, balanced equation (from the pre-lab
worksheet) identification of reaction type (single replacement, double replacement, synthesis,
decomposition, acid-base, oxidation-reduction, or combustion) for each experiment in the lab.
Chemical Reaction
Example:
Observations
Violent reaction, sodium
flames in solution
Reaction Type
Single replacement,
combustion reaction
Balanced Equation
2 Na + 2 H2O ---> 2
NaOH + H2
Sodium and water
Iron and copper (II)
sulfate solution
Lead (II) nitrate and
potassium iodide
solutions
Magnesium metal
and hydrochloric
acid solution
Electrolysis of
water
Burning magnesium
Conclusion:
Write a conclusion statement that addresses the following questions:



Summarize your observations of each reaction. Based on the products made, were your
predictions of chemical reaction type correct?
Some of the reactions you conducted can be categorized as more than one type of
reaction. Which reactions are these, and what are the types of reactions?
How do you think the investigation can be explored further?
Post-Lab Reflection Questions
Answer the reflection questions using what you have learned from the lesson and your
experimental data. It will be helpful to refer to your chemistry journal notes. Answer questions in
complete sentences.
1. If you were to measure the mass of magnesium and hydrochloric acid before
combining them in the test tube, how would that mass compare to the mass of
reactants left in the test tube after the reaction? Explain your answer and how it
corresponds to the law of conservation of mass.
2. In what other ways could you test your predictions to confirm their accuracy?
3. How do the chemical reactions in this lab activity compare to nuclear reactions, such
as fission and fusion?