99 March 2099
From: Midn Alpha Beta
To:
Professor Roy McClean
Subj:
Identification of Metal Ions in Unknown X1234
Ref:
Experiment 25 - (Type name of experiment here, without the parenthesis)
Encl:
(1) Flow Chart for Determining Metal Ions in a Solution
1. The purpose of this experiment was to determine what metal ions were present in unknown solution
X1234. We found that this solution contained Hg2+, Na+, Zn2+, and Ca2+ ions.
2. Experimental Method. We used qualitative analysis to analyze our solution. In brief, the
experimental method we used is based on …………. See the attached flowchart and the lab handout
for exact procedural steps. (use words such as separation, confirmation test, precipitation,
supernatant, centrifuge, etc.)
3. Results. Mercury (II), sodium, zinc (II), calcium, aluminum, cadmium (II), and cobalt (II) ions were
the possible species in our unknown solution. After careful testing, our solution was found to
contain Hg2+, Na+, Zn2+, and Ca2+ ions. The presence of Hg2+ was confirmed by the formation of a
bright purple precipitate when it reacted with plebeium. Na+ ….
4. Discussion and Conclusion. ….. We conducted the experiment twice in order to confirm the
presence of Hg2+. Another metal ion, Cd2+, also reacts with plebeium and forms a dark blue
precipitate which could be mistaken for Hg2+ or vice versa. ……….. (You must discuss every
possible ion, even if it/they were not present in your unknown sample. Discuss possible sources of
error. )
/S/
Midn Alpha Beta
Instructions
1. Delete these instructions before printing.
2. Use this document for your memo. It is correctly formatted with 1” margins, single-spaced,
times new roman font, 11 pt, left justified, numbered paragraphs, spaces between
paragraphs, etc. Do not change the formatting.
3. Use 8 ½” x 11” white copier paper, with black ink (the ink should not be faded).
4. Check your grammar, spelling, and chemical formulas.
5. The memo must be between 1.5 to 2 pages, portrait format, and stapled (2-sided printing is
acceptable and is encouraged). Do not exceed 2 pages.
6. Remember to change the date, name, etc.
7. Sign your memo (replace /S/ with your signature). Your signature indicates that this is
your own work. You may ask anyone to proof-read your memo, if you feel the need to.
Lab Report
Due Tuesday, 3 November 2015, before class is called to attention.
Submit only the type-written memo, not the lab handout.
Grading Rubric
The report (memo) is out of 100 points
Section
Header information
Para 1: Purpose & identification of metal ions found
Para 2: Experimental method
Para 3: Results
Para 4: Discussion and conclusions
Correct identification of metal ions
Signature block
Miscellaneous
(Format, organization, clarity, readability, etc.)
Points
5
5
20
10
20
25
5
10