A student investigated the reaction of zinc powder with dilute hydrochloric acid using the
apparatus below.
The same mass of zinc was added to different volumes of hydrochloric acid at room
temperature, 20 °C. The total volume of hydrogen gas given off in each experiment was
measured.
a) Use the gas syringe diagrams to record the volumes of hydrogen gas in the table.
b) On the grid, plot the points
and draw a smooth line graph.
c) Which point is inaccurate?
d) Suggest a possible reason for this inaccurate measurement.
e) Use your graph to work out the volume that would be expected to be formed.
f) Show clearly on the grid how you got your answer.
g) Explain why the volume of hydrogen gas does not increase after 30 cm of hydrochloric acid.
Q2
Calcium burns in air to form calcium oxide. The reaction is vigorous and some of the calcium
oxide can be lost as smoke.
Plan an investigation to determine the maximum mass of oxygen that
combines to form calcium oxide when 2 g of calcium granules are burnt in air.
You are provided with common laboratory apparatus and calcium granules.
Ans 2.
Investigation Plan: Determining the Maximum Mass of Oxygen that Combines to Form Calcium
Oxide
Objective:
To determine the maximum mass of oxygen that combines with 2 g of calcium granules when
burnt in air to form calcium oxide (CaO).
Materials:
• Calcium granules (2 g)
• Crucible with lid
• Balance (accurate to 0.01 g)
• Bunsen burner
• Tripod stand
• Pipe clay triangle
• Tongs
• Desiccator
• Heatproof mat
Procedure:
1. Preparation:
• Weigh the empty crucible with its lid using the balance. Record this initial mass
as m_1 .
2. Adding Calcium:
• Place the 2 g of calcium granules into the crucible.
• Weigh the crucible with the lid and the calcium granules. Record this mass as
m_2 .
3. Burning the Calcium:
• Place the crucible on a pipe clay triangle supported by a tripod stand.
• Cover the crucible with its lid (slightly ajar to allow oxygen to enter but prevent
calcium oxide from escaping).
• Heat the crucible strongly using a Bunsen burner until the calcium granules have
completely reacted with the oxygen in the air. This can be determined when the reaction ceases
to produce a bright flame and the calcium granules have turned into a white powdery substance.
4. Cooling:
• Allow the crucible to cool with the lid on for a few minutes on the heatproof mat.
• Once sufficiently cooled, transfer the crucible to a desiccator to cool further to
room temperature without absorbing moisture from the air.
5. Final Weighing:
• Weigh the crucible with its lid and the formed calcium oxide. Record this final
mass as m_3 .
Calculations:
1. Mass of Calcium Oxide Formed:
{Mass of calcium oxide} = m_3 - m_1
2. Mass of Oxygen Combined:
{Mass of oxygen} = {Mass of calcium oxide} - {Mass of calcium}
{Mass of oxygen} = (m_3 - m_1) - (m_2 - m_1) = m_3 - m_2
3. Result Interpretation:
• The mass difference ( m_3 - m_2 ) will give you the maximum mass of oxygen
that combined with 2 g of calcium to form calcium oxide.
Safety Considerations:
• Calcium burns vigorously; ensure proper ventilation and use tongs to handle the
hot crucible.
• Always wear safety goggles, lab coat, and heat-resistant gloves during the
experiment.
Notes:
• Ensure that the crucible lid is slightly ajar during heating to prevent the loss of
calcium oxide as smoke while allowing oxygen to enter.
• Make sure to use a desiccator to prevent the absorption of moisture by the
calcium oxide before weighing, as this could lead to inaccurate results.
Ans c)- The point which is inaccurate is:
• The point at 5 cm'/ 8 cm' H2 / second point; [1 mark]
ii) A possible reason for this inaccurate measurement.
• Leak/ loss / escape of gas or wrong amount / too little HCl or zinc; [1 mark]
Allow: syringe sticking
