Bilal Qureshi

Aim:
- To find out if metal oxides and non-metal oxides either have acidic or basic bases when
mixed with water through the use of universal indicator
- To find out if certain metals are conductive or not
- To find out those metals chemical reaction when mixed with water and hydrochloric acid

Research question:
Experiment 1: What types of metals conduct electricity and if the conductivity of these metals
are reliant on free moving ions?
Experiment 2: What are the pH levels of the chosen metals and non-metal oxides when reacting
with magnesium, sulfur and universal indicator?
Experiment 3: How do sodium, calcium, copper, iron, zinc and magenta react with hydrochloric
acid and water?

Hypothesis:
Experiment 1: All metals will conduct heat well as metals are known as good conductors
Experiment 2: All non-meal oxides will have an acidic pH, and metal oxides will have basic pH
Experiment 3: Metals will not react very strongly with water but will react more with
hydrochloric acid
Bilal Qureshi

Material:

○ Test tubes
○ Test tube rack
○ Beaker
○ Bunsen burner
○ Sodium
○ Mixing spoon
○ Calcium
○ Hydrochloric acid
○ Copper
○ Sulfur
○ Iron
○ Magnesium
○ Pure water
○ Deflagrating spoon
○ Zinc
○ Copper sulfate
○ Lighter
○ Gas jar
○ Electrical conductivity meter
○ Universal indicator
Bilal Qureshi

Method:
Experiment 1:

1. Verify that the conductivity board's power is on.

2. Collect the two alligator clips, then attach them to the magnesium.
3. Check to see if the light bulb has turned on.
4. Carry out the same procedure using the crystal of copper sulfate, zinc, copper, and iron.
5. Place a small amount of crystallized copper sulfate powder inside a small beaker that has been
filled with 70 ml of pure water.
6. Continue stirring until the substance dissolves.
7. Insert both alligator clips into the mixture, making sure that they are not in contact with one
another.
8. Finally, check to see if the light turns on.
Bilal Qureshi

Experiment 2:

1. Pour 10ml of pure water into the gas jar, and then add three drops of universal indicator.
2. Scoop the sulfur powder using the deflagrating spoon.
3. Light the Bunsen burner and burn the deflagrating spoon by heating it over the flame.
4. Next, put the deflagrating spoon inside the gas jar and allow the gas it generates to fill it up.
Avoid touching the spoon with water; instead, place it just above it.
5. After the gas has filled the jar, stir it to check to see if the universal indicator caused the
mixture's color to change.
6. repeat step one, acquire a fresh gas jar, and put three drops of universal indicator and 10 ml of
pure water in it.
7. Obtain a little bit of magnesium, and fire it over the gas jar using a lighter.
8. As the gas emits, lower it into the gas jar and into the water
9. Stir it up and check to see if the color of the universal indicator has changed.
Bilal Qureshi

Experiment 3:

1. Collect 6 test tubes and arrange each one in a rack.

2. Half-fill each test tube with pure water.
3. Place small pieces of sodium, magnesium, copper, zine, and iron into each test tube which is
filled with what
4. Watch each metal for a response.
5. Use a test tube on top to trap any gas produced by any metal reaction.
6. Conduct the pop test: Place the flame of a lighter close to the gas you trapped; if there is a
quick, bright pop, the test was successful.
7. Fill each test tube with hydrochloric acid after draining the water from them.
8. Keep an eye out for any reactions; if any gas is released, repeat step 6 again.
Bilal Qureshi

Variables:

Experiment 1:
Independent variable:
- The type of metal
Dependent variable:
- The conductivity of the metal
Controlled variable:
- The electrical charge that needs to be conducted
- The amount of metal
- The same alligator clips
- The type of water
- The same mixing spoon

Experiment 2:
Independent variable:
- The type of metal
Dependent variable:
- The acidity of metal oxides
- The acidity of non metal oxides
Controlled variable:
- The amount of water
- Size of test tube
- Same lighter
- Amount of universal indicator

Experiment 3:
Independent variable:
- Type of metal
Dependent variable:
- The reaction of each metal
Controlled variable:
- Amount of water
- Amount of hydrochloric acid
- Test tube
Bilal Qureshi

Safety:
When conducting experiments it is vital to be safe, in order to be safe while conducting these 3
experiments follow these steps:
- Wearing eye goggles: Protection from any dangerous liquids, flames or heat
- Lab coat: Covers limbs to help protect most of your body if a spill occurs. If anything
catches on fire, it will be the coat which you can easily take off and extinguish the flames
from by continuously stepping on it
- Wearing gloves: Protects from any chemicals that could damage your skin
- When using a lighter, have the supervision of an adult.

Observations:
- Copper sulfate does not conduct electricity in solid form however if mixed with water, it
does conduct electricity
- Positive and negative ions attract each other
- Water by itself does not conduct electricity
- Calcium is the most reactive metal
- Magnesium is reactive with hydrochloric acid but not with water
- When we’re seeing the iron’s reaction we’re at first seeing the reaction of zinc as the iron
nail is covered with zinc
- Metal + Acid = Salt + Hydrogen gas
- All metals conduct electricity
- Ionic substances cannot conduct electricity
- All metals that conduct electricity must have free moving ions
Bilal Qureshi

Results:

Experiment 1:
Metal Color Conductivity

Magnesium Silver Yes

Zinc Silver Yes

Copper Bronze Yes

Copper sulfate crystal Blue No

Iron Silver Yes

Pure water Clear No

Copper sulfate liquid Clear Yes

Experiment 2:
Magnesium Sulfur

Metal—Non-metal Metal Non-metal

Colour Purple Red

Experiment 3:
Type of Metal Reaction in Water Reaction in hydrochloric
acid

Magnesium None Strong

Copper None None

Zinc None Moderate

Iron None Slow

Sodium Extremely strong None

Calcium Strong None

Bilal Qureshi

Discussion:

Experiment 1:

In our experimental investigation, we examined the electrical conductivity properties of different

metals. Our findings indicated that metals lacking a crystalline structure exhibited high
conductivity. Specifically, metals such as magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron, along with a copper
sulfate solution, demonstrated efficient electrical conduction due to the presence of free-moving
ions. This behavior can be attributed to the loosely bound outer electrons in metal atomic
structures, which allow for unrestricted movement and facilitate the flow of electric current when
exposed to power or voltage.

Conversely, we observed that ionic compounds, such as pure water and copper sulfate crystals,
exhibited low or negligible electrical conductivity. This is because ionic substances lack
free-moving ions necessary for the occurrence of an electric charge. The tightly packed
arrangement of ions in the crystal lattice of ionic compounds restricts ion mobility, resulting in
minimal electrical conduction, as seen in the case of the copper sulfate crystal (CuSO4·5H2O).

When considering the accuracy of our experiment, certain areas could be improved for future
investigations. While measuring the conductivity of the metal samples was straightforward, we
encountered challenges when testing the copper sulfate crystal. Using a larger and more robust
crystal specimen would help prevent breakage and crumbling during the experimental setup.
Additionally, for accurate results in testing the copper sulfate solution, careful attention to the
concentration of copper sulfate powder and thorough mixing would ensure optimal ion
dispersion and subsequent electric reaction.

Furthermore, the reliability of our experiment relied on the appropriate selection and control of
variables. The independent variable, the type of metal, played a crucial role in determining
conductivity, while the dependent variable, conductivity itself, provided a measurable outcome.
By controlling the electrical charge applied to the components as the controlled variable, we
ensured consistency and enabled meaningful comparisons. Any alterations to these variables
would compromise the integrity of the experiment and undermine the validity of the results.

To enhance efficiency and accuracy in future experiments, it is recommended to establish precise

measurements for the amount of copper sulfate powder in advance. This would eliminate the
need for repeated attempts to achieve the desired conductivity and contribute to a more
streamlined and reliable outcome. In summary, while our experiment yielded basic and
successful results, improvements can be made in various aspects to enhance efficacy and
scientific rigor.
Bilal Qureshi

Experiment 2:

In this experiment, we investigated the pH levels of magnesium and sulfur using universal
indicator, a liquid composed of various substances and dyes that undergo gradual color changes
when reacting with different elements within the pH range of 4-14. The results revealed a distinct
trend: the metal (magnesium) exhibited a basic pH of 13, while the non-metal (sulfur) displayed
an acidic pH of 1. This conclusion was drawn based on the color changes observed on the pH
chart, where acidic colors such as red and orange were associated with low pH values, while
hues like purple and blue indicated a basic pH.

During the experiment, the gases emitted by each element provided further evidence for the pH
of their respective oxides. The reaction of sulfur dioxide (SO2) with water formed an acidic
solution:

SO2 + H2O → H2SO3

On the other hand, when magnesium reacted with the gas, it produced a strong, bright white
flame and transformed into a basic solution, likely in the form of magnesium hydroxide:

MgO + H2O → Mg(OH)2

The basic nature of metal oxides can be attributed to their ability to neutralize acids. Metal
oxides have a tendency to release hydroxide ions and accept protons. Metals, with their lower
number of valence electrons, are capable of accepting electrons from hydroxide ions. The
resulting binding of electrons and hydroxide ions leads to the formation of metal hydroxides
(M[OH]n), which contribute to the basic nature of the solution. In contrast, non-metal oxides
release hydrogen ions when reacting with water. For instance, sulfur donates protons to water,
resulting in acidity (H2SO3). Non-metal oxides exhibit this behavior due to their
electron-attracting properties, which contribute to the acidic nature of the solution.

The accuracy of this experiment depended on the materials used and the timing of observations.
It was crucial to cover the gas emission promptly to obtain the most accurate pH color readings.
Conducting the experiment multiple times would have allowed for more precise pH
determination by comparing the resulting hues to a pH chart. Overall, the reliability of the
experiment was enhanced by the expertise of the experimenter and the clear distinction in pH
colors, which facilitated an understanding of the acidity or basicity of the substances.

The validity of the experiment was contingent upon the correctness of the variables. In this case,
the variables were appropriate, with the type of metal serving as the independent variable, the pH
of metal and non-metal oxides as the dependent variable, and the amount of water as the
Bilal Qureshi

controlled variable. The consistency between these variables ensured the reliability of the
experiment, as they determined what needed to remain constant, what needed to be altered, and
the measured response.

One aspect that required improvement was the incorporation of safety precautions during the
experiment. The production of a hazardous gas during the reaction of metal and non-metal
oxides with water necessitated the use of protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and eye
goggles to ensure the safety of the experimenter.

In conclusion, this experiment successfully determined the pH levels of metal and non-metal
oxides, explaining the basic nature of metal oxides and the acidic nature of non-metal oxides.

Experiment 3:

In the last experiment, we examined the chemical reactions of different metals in contact with
water and hydrochloric acid. Most of the metals exhibited no reaction when exposed to water,
but two metals, sodium and calcium, displayed strong reactions. Upon contact with water,
sodium and calcium underwent highly exothermic reactions, releasing electrons and forming
positive ions. The released electrons then reduced water molecules, resulting in the production of
hydrogen gas. Notably, the reaction involving calcium resulted in a white precipitate since it is
insoluble. To confirm the presence of hydrogen gas, a pop test was conducted, which was
successful due to the pronounced exothermic properties of sodium and calcium.

Moving on to the reaction with hydrochloric acid, only magnesium, zinc, and iron displayed
reactivity. This is attributed to the lower number of electrons in the outer shells of these
elements, making it easier for them to lose electrons. As a result, hydrogen gas and metal
chloride salts were produced.

From these scientific explanations, we can conclude that calcium is the most reactive element,
followed by magnesium, zinc, iron, and copper as the least reactive. The experiment exhibited a
high level of accuracy, as there were immediate and successful reactions without encountering
any significant difficulties. The only oversight was the failure to trap the gas emitted during a
chemical reaction to perform a pop test. However, this did not compromise the results or the
accuracy of the experiment. The reliability of the results was supported by the consistency of
chemical reactions observed among different groups and the nearly universal success of the pop
tests.

The experiment's variables consisted of the independent variable (type of metal), dependent
variable (metal reaction), and controlled variables (amounts of water and hydrochloric acid).
Bilal Qureshi

These variables ensured the proper execution of the experiment by guiding the researchers
toward successful outcomes. Their accuracy was crucial for the safety of the experiment,
considering the involvement of harsh chemicals and vigorous reactions. Any deviations could
have resulted in fires, skin burns, or eye injuries due to the heat generated by specific exothermic
reactions. Therefore, the correct implementation of these variables contributed to the
experiment's safety and success.

One aspect for improvement is to be more attentive during the experiment. Specifically, ensuring
the proper trapping of gas to conduct pop tests would enhance the understanding of the reactions
and their underlying reasons. Overall, this experiment provided valuable insights into the
properties of different elements and their reactions with water and hydrochloric acid. The results
aligned with the expected outcomes for each element, demonstrating the success of the
experiment.

Conclusion:

To sum up, we did three different experiments to learn about different metals and non-metals. In
the first experiment, most metals conduct electricity except for the copper sulfate crystal. In the
second experiment, non-metal substances were acidic, while metal substances were basic. In the
last experiment, some metals react strongly with water and hydrochloric acid, but not all of them.
Overall, our experiments went well and we found answers to our questions. There were a few
small issues along the way, but they didn't affect our results too much. In the end, we can say that
our experiments were successful.