Experiment 6

The Identification of Unknown Substances

Purpose

In this experiment you will determine the identity of three unknown compounds. The first of these will be found in a single solid substance. The second and third compounds will be a found in a mixture. One of the compounds in this mixture is soluble in water and the other compound is not. The substances will be chosen from the list shown in the Procedure section

Conclusions

For your conclusions identify the unknown substances. There should be three substances identified, one for the first unknown and two for the second unknown. Explain your conclusions for each of the three. What evidence leads you to your conclusions. As a part of your explanation refer to the data in your Results table. Be certain to include the unknown numbers for each of the two unknowns.

Extensions

Rather than extend this experiment, it would be useful to create subsets of unknowns with as few as two candidates for different grade levels. Additionally, appropriate stories could be developed to go along with the experiments.

comments to: j byrd jim@chem.csustan.edu or m perona mike@chem.csustan.edu