Properties of Common Substances Lab
Purpose:
Part A: To determine the identity of common substances using physical properties.
Part B: To observe various materials and classify the matter.
Materials:
Part A:
Substances A - D
Hot plate
Petri dish
Conductivity tester
Beakers
Magnifying glass
Magnets
Well plates
Scoopula
Distilled Water
Pipettes and bulbs
Tongs
Part B:
Salt
Sucrose
Cobalt (II) chloride
Sand
Water
Hydrogen gas
Air
Soil
Rocks
Jars with Lids
Iron (III) chloride
Milk
Poweraid
16 mile creek water
Beakers
Vials with Lids
Safety:
Part A:
• Read over the MSDS for all of the substances you will be using in this experiment.
• Create a table to record the physical properties for each of the substances A – D that you
feel could help you distinguish between the substances (i.e. melting point, colour,
appearance, etc.) when you actually do the experiments..
• Do NOT taste, smell, or handle any of the substances.
Part B:
• Read over the MSDS for all of the substances you will be using in the experiment.
• Do NOT point the laser at people.
Procedure:
Part A:
1. Create a table in the observations section of your lab report with the following
headings; Sample, Qualitative Observations, Melting Point, etc.
2. Collect a small sample of each of the chemicals used for this experiment. Be sure to
keep them separate and labelled so that you know which substance is which.
3. Take qualitative observations of each of the samples. Do NOT taste or smell the
substances.
4. Conduct any other tests that you feel would provide you with enough information to
determine the identity of the unknown substances. The instructions for each test are on
the lab benches.
5. In order to be sure that you have identified the substance correctly when you do your
analysis you need to confirm at least two physical properties. Note: for melting points
you will not have an exact temperature for comparison but the relative temperature
should help you determine the identity.
Part B:
1. Create a table with the following headings; Station #, Substance(s) Present,
Classification.
2. Move through each of the 10 stations and classify the matter using the terminology
discussed in class.
Analysis:
Complete the following questions in your lab report.
Part A:
1. Determine the identity of each of the substances A – D and provide an explanation for
each. Hint: you should discuss the physical properties that led you to determine the
identity. [12 Inquiry]
2. Why is it not safe to smell the solids? [2 Application]
3. If you were colour blind how could you determine the difference between copper (II)
sulfate pentahydrate and sucrose? [2 Application]
Part B:
1. Which substance did you find the most difficult to classify? Explain. [2 Application]
2. The name tag fell off of a container containing a yellow substance (all of the particles in
the container look the same) what classification would you give the unknown
substance? Explain your reasoning. [2 Application]
Conclusion:
Part A: Restate the purpose and summarize your findings.
Part B: No conclusion necessary.
Evaluation:
You will be given time to write up your lab report in class. Do not take your lab home it needs to
be submitted at the end of each period. The write up for your lab report will be discussed in
class. There are certain sections that you can say refer to handout “Properties of Common
Substances Lab” when you write up your report.
The set up of your tables as well as the format of your lab report will be Communication marks.
Your lab report will also be marked for Inquiry and Application as stated in the analysis section
of this handout.
Learning Skills:
During the course of the lab you will be assessed on the following learning skills.
Learning Skill
Learning Skill “Look Fors”
Level
Responsibility
Fulfils responsibilities and commitments within the learning environment.
N
S
G
E
Organization
Identifies, gathers, evaluates, and uses information, and resources to complete tasks.
N
S
G
E
Independent Work
Uses class time appropriately to complete tasks.
Follows instructions with minimal prompting.
N
S
G
E
Collaboration
Accepts various roles and an equitable share of work in a group.
N
S
G
E
Initiative
Approaches new tasks with a positive attitude.
N
S
G
E
Self-Regulation
Seeks clarification or assistance when needed.
N
S
G
E