Name: ________________________________________________________ Class: ____
Magical Mystery Tour
Introduction:
In this laboratory exercise, chemical reactions will be conducted and observed.
The nature of the reactants and the results of test carried out during these reactions will be
used to determine the type of reaction that occurs. The reaction products will be
predicted and a balanced equation for each reaction will be produced.
A burning wooden splint is often used to aid in determining the gas produced
during a reaction. The burning splint, or its ember, is introduced into the mouth of the
test tube while the reaction is proceeding. Careful observation can allow for gas
identification as follows:
 Oxygen gas  causes a flame to flare or an ember to re-ignite.
 Hydrogen gas  creates a “popping” sound when exposed to a flame.
Often, the flame is extinguished after the “popping” sound.
 Carbon dioxide  extinguishes the flame.
Necessary Information:
 In this lab, iron will form the Fe2+ ion.
 In this lab, MnO2 is used as a catalyst.
 Steel wool is composed largely of iron.
 Copper and Tin will form 2+.
 Oxygen can be a hidden reactant.
 For a double replacement, the metals retain the same charge on the
product side.
Safety Precautions:
 Gas generated in a rubber stopper test tube creates considerable pressure.
Be sure to direct the mouth of the test tube away from others, and to
maintain pressure on the rubber stopper until it is removed from the splint
test.
 Remove all papers and flammable materials from the lab top prior to
conducting the steel wool procedure.
Pre-Lab:

Create a data table which will contain:
 The formulas of reactants used in each procedure.
 The observations of all reactants.
 Evidence of a chemical reaction taking place.
Procedure: Always make observations of all reactants prior to the reactions!!
1. Place about 3 mL of aqueous silver nitrate in a test tube. Drop your copper wire
into the test tube. Place the test tube in the test tube rack and return to make a
final observation before the end of the class.
2. Using tongs, hold a piece of a copper strip in a Bunsen burner flame for 2 to 3
minutes. Record your observations.
3. Place about 3 mL of aqueous sodium hydroxide solution in a test tube. Add an
equal amount of iron (III) chloride. Record your observations.
4. Place about 2 g of copper (II) carbonate in a small test tube and using a test tube
holder, hold over the flame. While heating, light a wooden splint and place it just
inside the mouth of the test tube. Record your observations.
5. Place about 3 mL of aqueous lead (II) nitrate solution in a test tube. Add an equal
amount of aqueous potassium chromate. Record your observations.
6. Drop a piece of copper strip into a test tube containing 3 mL of aqueous lead (II)
nitrate. Record your observations.
7. Drop a piece of mossy zinc in a test tube containing 3 mL of HCl. When the
reaction is proceeding vigorously, bring a burning splint to the mouth of the test
tube. Record your observations.
8. Clean a magnesium strip with steel wool. Record the initial appearance. Using
tongs hold one end of the magnesium strip and ignite the strip in the flame. DO
NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE BURNING MAGNESIUM!!!!! Catch the
product in the evaporating dish. Record your observations.
9. Place about 3 mL of aqueous calcium chloride in a test tube. Add an equivalent
amount of aqueous sodium carbonate. Record your observations.
10. Add 3 mL of H2O2 to a small test tube. Add a pinch of MnO2. Quickly place a
rubber stopper on the test tube to collect the gas. Put a lit glowing ember into the
mouth of the test tube. Record your observations.
11. Drop 3 pieces of calcium into a medium test tube which contains 10 mL of H2O.
Place a rubber stopper on the test tube until the reaction is proceeding vigorously,
then place a lit burning splint over the mouth of the test tube. Record your
observations.
12. Open a sheet of steel wool and lay it over a ring clamped to a ring stand.
Carefully ignite the steel wool with the Bunsen burner. Record your observations.
13. Isopropyl alcohol, (C3H7OH), is placed in a giant bottle. Your teacher will place
a burning match into the giant bottle. Record your observations.
Post Lab:
1. Write a balance equation for all 13 reactions including any symbols to indicate the
states of matter and heat used.
2. Label the type of reaction that takes place in each procedure.
3. Label each reaction as either endothermic or exothermic.