Lab: Synthesis Reactions
Purpose: To show that chemical reactions fall into a limited variety of types and to develop the skill of equation
writing.
Introduction: In a combination reaction, two or more simple substances are combined to form one new and
more complex substance.
Man + Woman Manwoman (couple)
Element + Element  Compound
Make up your own example:
Pre-lab Question:
1. After reading through the procedure, what materials or equipment will be needed?
Procedure:
Part A: Copper and Oxygen (Copper and Oxygen both have a +2 charge)
1. Retrieve a piece of copper from the supply table.
2. Examine the copper and describe it in the space provided in the table
3. Holding one end with the crucible tongs, insert the copper into the outer cone of the Bunsen burner flame
for 1-2 minutes.
4. Let the metal cool and re-examine it.
5. Describe the product and complete the equation.
6. Return copper to the used copper container.
Part A: Copper and Oxygen:
Appearance before reaction:
Evidence of a reaction:
Chemical Formula of Reactants:
Balanced Equation:
Appearance after the
reaction:
Chemical Formula of Product:
Part B: Magnesium and Oxygen (Magnesium and Oxygen both have a +2 charge)
1. Examine a piece of magnesium metal and describe it in the space provided in the table.
2. Place an evaporating dish or watch glass near the base of the Bunsen burner.
3. Using crucible tongs hold a 5 cm piece of Mg ribbon in the burner flame until it ignites.
**DON’T LOOK AT THE LIGHT!**
4. Move it over the evaporating dish.
5. When the ribbon stops burning, examine the product in the evaporating dish.
6. Describe the product and complete the equation.
7. Wash out evaporating dish in sink and return to supply table.
Part B: Magnesium and Oxygen:
Appearance before reaction:
Evidence of a reaction:
Chemical Formula of Reactants:
Appearance after the reaction:
Chemical Formula of Product:
Balanced Equation:
Analysis Questions:
1. What evidence is there to defend that these reactions were synthesis reactions and not another type of
reaction?
2. Balance the following equations:
a. __NaCl + __BeF2 → __NaF + __BeCl2
b. __CH4 + __O2 → __CO2 + __H2O
c. __FeCl3 + __Be3(PO4)2 → __BeCl2 + __FePO4
d. __AgNO3 + __LiOH → __AgOH + __LiNO3
3. Predict the products and balance the equations for the following synthesis reactions:
a. Zn + O2 →
b. Na + Cl2 →
c. H2 + O2 →
d. Mg + N2 →