EXPERIMENT 2: CHEMISTRY BY OBSERVATION

OBJECTIVES
1. To distinguish between qualitative and quantitative observations
2. To make sound inferences based on the observations from the experiment
3. To differentiate between physical and chemical properties of matter
MATERIALS
Matchbox (empty) Distilled water String
REAGENTS AND APPARATUS/ES
Test tubes Top loading balance Watch glass
Graduated cylinder (10 mL) Test tube rack Test tube brush
Litmus papers (red & blue) CuSO4•5H2O crystals Ethanol
Mg ribbon Dropper Chloroform
Alcohol lamp
INTRODUCTION
Observation and making a sound inference are essential aspects in experimental chemistry. The
word “observation” is the process of gathering data using the senses; whereas an “inference” is an
explanation made based on observations, prior knowledge and past experiences.
All observations are classified into two types: qualitative and quantitative observation. Qualitative
observation is a subjective process of gathering information that involves describing what is being observed.
Quantitative observation uses tools and instruments that allow results to be quantified in objective ways,
usually using numbers or measurements. The data gathered and recorded in an experiment could be
qualitative or quantitative observations or combination of both. These observations must be taken into
consideration to draw a logical scientific inference.
PROCEDURE
A. Physical Properties
1. Describe the physical appearance of the samples in terms of color, state and texture.
2. Test the solubility of each by adding a few drops or small amount of sample into a test tube
containing 2-mL distilled water. Shake the mixture. Record whether the sample is soluble or
insoluble in water.
3. Determine the density of each sample.
4. For Mg ribbon, weigh 5 pieces of the metal strips. Record the exact weight. Place the Mg strips
into a 10-mL graduated cylinder containing 5-mL water. The change in volume of the water is
equivalent to volume of the Mg strips.
5. For CuSO4•5H2O crystals, measure the weight and dimensions (length, width and height) of an
empty matchbox. Compute the volume of the box and then convert the volume from cm3 to mL
(1 cm3 = 1 mL). Tightly pack the CuSO4•5H2O crystals into the matchbox. Measure the weight of
the filled matchbox.
6. For ethanol and chloroform, weigh a clean, dry 10-mL graduated cylinder. Fill it up with the
liquid up to 5-mL mark. Weigh the cylinder again containing the liquid. Repeat for both samples.
 7. Compare the computed density of each sample to its theoretical density by calculating the
percent error.
B. Effect of Heat on Substances
1. For Mg ribbon, place a small piece of metal strip on a watch glass. Ignite the metal strip using a
lighted matchstick or lighter. Observe what happens during and after ignition. Collect the ash
formed after ignition. Place the ash on a test tube and dissolve with few drops of distilled water.
Test the acidity/basicity of the solution using red and blue litmus papers.
2. For CuSO4•5H2O, place a pinch amount of the sample into a test tube and heat carefully using
an open flame. Observe what happens during and after heating. Test the acidity/basicity of the
solution using red and blue litmus papers.
3. For ethanol and chloroform, place 5 drops of the liquid on a watch glass. Test the flammability
using a lighted matchstick or lighter. Observe the color of the flame produced.
 LABORATORY REPORT 2: CHEMISTRY BY OBSERVATION
Name (SN, FN, MI):
Year and Section:
(Arrange in alphabetical order)

Group Number:

Instructor:

Date:

Score:

DATA AND RESULTS

A. Physical Properties
SAMPLES Magnesium CuSO4•5H2O Ethanol Hexane
Physical appearance
Solubility in water: sol or ins
Density measurement
weight of sample (g)
volume of the sample (mL)
computed density (g/mL)
theoretical density (g/mL)
percent error (%)
1. Compare the physical appearance and density of the substances.
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2. What type of property (chemical or physical) of matter is observed when each of the substances is
heated?
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B. Effect of Heat on Substances
OBSERVATION
SAMPLES Before heating During heating After heating Reaction with
litmus paper

Mg ribbon

CuSO4•5H2O
crystals

SAMPLES Flammability Test

Ethanol

Chloroform

QUESTIONS
1. What are the different methods that can be used to determine the density of a pure substance?
Explain how each method works.
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2. What is the difference between physical and chemical properties of matter? Give at least three
specific examples for each property.
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3. List down the methods used in the experiment to gather qualitative/quantitative data only. Are there
ways where qualitative data can be quantified? Provide an example.
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4. Litmus papers were used in part B of the experiment. How does these indicator papers help draw
inference to determine what happens to the substance after heating?
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 5. A metal bolt with a mass of 99.7 g is introduced into a graduated cylinder containing 50.0 mL of
water. The new volume reads 72.1 mL.
a. From the table below, what is the identity of the metal? ______________________________________
Metal Density (g/mL)

Gallium 5.91

Titanium 4.51

Vanadium 6.00

Yttrium 4.47
b. Can a substance be identified based on the density alone? Why or why not?
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c. Provide possible explanation why there are discrepancies between the observed and
theoretical densities of pure substances.
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CONCLUSION
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