Chemical Properties of Aluminum Lab
In this lab experiment, you will use the chemical copper chloride to examine one of the
chemical properties of aluminum. As you proceed, record all the chemical changes you observe.
Be Careful: Make sure you do not handle the copper chloride with your bare hands.
Wash your hands after the experiment. Always wear safety goggles.
You Will Need:
- Approximately 1g of copper II chloride crystals
- A square of aluminum foil
- Approximately 40 ml of water in a 50 ml beaker
- A thermometer
What To Do:
1. Make all the observations you can of the copper II chloride, aluminum, and water. Then
observe as you dissolve the copper II chloride in the water and take the temperature of the
solution. Record all observations; you need a minimum of eight observations.
2. Next, lightly crumple the aluminum foil and place it in the beaker. Hold the aluminum
under the surface of the liquid with the thermometer. Continue to make observations and
record. You need a minimum of three observations
3. Finally use the thermometer to stir the aluminum foil and copper chloride solution,
observe, then stir again. Take the temperature of the solution now. Be sure to record a
minimum of five observations.
4. Dispose of the mixture as shown by the teacher. Clean all equipment and return to where
you got it.
5. Answer the following questions:
1. What evidence do you have that a chemical change took place?
2. Name a physical change that took place.
3. What are some physical properties of copper II chloride?
4. What was the chemical property of aluminum observed in this reaction?
5. Examine the red material that formed. What do you think it might be?
6. What type of reaction occurred between the aluminum and copper II chloride?
Write the balanced equation.
Step One Observations:
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2.
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8.
Extra:
Step Two Observations:
1.
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3.
Extra:
Step Three Observations:
1.
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4.
5.
Extra: