Preparation of a Compound &
Calculation of an Empirical Formula
Postlab Questions
Complete these questions and turn in at the start of the next lab meeting. Answers should
be legibly written on a separate piece of paper showing all work including units.
1. If the magnesium is burned uncontrolled, it burns brightly and escapes as smoke,
how will this error affect the reported mass of the
a. magnesium in the sample?
b. oxygen in the sample?
c. magnesium oxide?
You must provide an answer with conceptual explanation. It may be helpful to
assume an initial mass of Mg then calculate the effect of the change on your final
results.
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