Experiment 5: The Determination of Relative Atomic Mass of Magnesium
Experiment 5: The Determination of Relative Atomic Mass of Magnesium
Magnesium
Introduction
In this experiment magnesium ribbon reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen
gas, which is collected in a burette. The measured volume of gas produced and mass of
magnesium are used to calculate the mass of magnesium that would be needed to produce one
mole of hydrogen molecules, and hence deduce the relative atomic mass of magnesium.
Apparatus/Reagents
Burette, retort stand, beaker, Hydrochloric acid, Magnesium ribbon
Procedure
1. Calculate the volume of 1.0 M HCl needed to prepare 0.6 M HCl in 100 mL volumetric
flask.
2. Pipette the required volume of 1.0 M HCl into 100 mL volumetric flask.
3. Add a small portion of distilled water and swirl the volumetric flask.
4. Top up distill water to the mark.
Data Sheet