Transition Metals Lab
Introduction:
In this lab we will look at the physical and chemical properties of some period 4
metals, specifically comparing the transition metals to the non-transitional metals.
We will also relate any differences in properties to differences in their electron
configuration.
Purpose:
Materials:
0.10M solutions of salts containing ions with the following period 4 metals:
K, Ca, V, Cr, Co, Fe, Ni, Cu, & Zn.
1M KSCN
6M NH3
6M HCl
Procedure:
1.
Using the labeled droppers on my desk, fill in the first 4 rows and 9 columns
of your microplate with 2 drops of each solution as indicated in the chart
below, then take the microplate back to your lab table.
2. Once you have competed your data table, discard the contents of the
microplate in the waste beaker on my desk.
Data:
Create a table like the one above-with 4 rows and 9 columns. Make it large
enough so that you can write your observations. In row D, describe the
appearance of each solution (clear, colorless, etc). In rows A-C describe the
appearance only if it differs from that in row D. If no apparent reaction
occurred, put NR (no reaction) in the box.
Conclusion:
1.
What physical property would help you to identify that a solution
contains a transition metal ion?
2. In general, what happened in columns 3-8?
3. In general, what happened in columns, 1, 2, & 9?
4. Describe a chemical property that would help you to identify that a
solution contains a transition metal ion?
5. Write the e- configuration in noble gas form for each of the nine metals.
6. In terms of their electron configurations, explain why there tended to be
reactions in columns 3-8.
7. In terms of their electron configurations, explain why columns 1 & 2
reacted differently than 3-8.
8. In terms of its electron configuration, explain the reactivity of zinc and
why it differed from the other transition metals.