2013
You light Up My Life Lab
Name:
Date:
Period
Purpose : This lesson allows you to collect evidence regarding some of the properties of substances, and look for patterns.
Predict: Make some predictions regarding the following substances.
1.) Predict whether the substance will conduct electricity,
2.) Then predict whether the substance will dissolve in water.
3.) Put your predictions on the left hand side of the table.
Predictions
Substances
H2O(l), water
Al(s),
Aluminum foil
C12H22O11(s)
sucrose (sugar)
NaCl(s)
sodium chloride (salt)
SiO2(s)
silicon dioxide (sand)
C20H42(s)
paraffin (wax)
C2H6O(l)
ethanol
Cu(s),
copper
CaCl2(s)
calcium chloride
CuSO4(s)
copper sulfate
CuCl2 (s)
Copper Chloride
LiCl (s)
Lithium Chloride
Conduct? Dissolve?
Yes/No
Yes/No
Test Results
Conduct?
Yes/No
Dissolve?
Yes/No
Conduct
when
Dissolved?
Yes
N/A
2013
Procedure:
1. Apparatus. Assemble your conductivity apparatus correctly. Connect battery to wire snap. You will use this
apparatus to test the conductivity of the various substances in the table. Then enter your results in the right
hand side of your table.
2. First, test the solid substance in the tray to determine if it will conduct electricity. Record your answer
in the table.
3. Then you need to determine if the substance dissolved in water. IF YOUR SUBSTANCE DISSOLVES IN
WATER, TEST THE LIQUID WITH YOUR CONDUCTIVITY APPARATUS. IF IT DOES NOT DISSOLVE, THEN
YOU WILL NOT TEST THE LIQUID. Record your results in your table.
4. When the substance does not dissolve in water, enter N/A in the last column for Not Applicable. Wipe off your
paper clips after each use. (Oxidation will occur) Use your data
Post Lab Questions:
1. Make a list of the substances that conduct electricity, but do not dissolve in water. What do those things have in
common? (Hint* think about their properties)
2. Divide the substance that dissolve in water into two categories. Those that conduct electricity once dissolved, those
that don’t conduct electricity.
Substances that dissolve in water
Conduct
Don’t Conduct
3. What are three things the substances that conduct electricity, once they are dissolved in water, all have in
common?
4. What do the substances that do not conduct electricity once they are dissolved all have in common?
(leave water out)
Summarize: Explain your test results and answer the questions below.
5. What can you now conclude about substances the do not light up the light bulb in this lab? Complete the
following sentence. The substances that do not light up the light bulb…
6. What can you now conclude about substances the do light up the light bulb in this lab? Complete the following
sentence. The substances that do light up the light bulb…
7. Predict whether isopropanol, C3H8 O(l), will conduct electricity. Explain your reasoning.