Substitute Laboratory Activity for Lesson 26 Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Oxidation-Reduction Substitute Laboratory Activity.

Because we cannot properly ship lead salts anymore, we have this substitute laboratory that demonstrates oxidation-reduction reactions clearly and is fairly easy to do.

(This experiment is shown on page 642 of your text book.)

Purpose: To demonstrate oxidation-reduction chemical reactions.

Materials:

       20 ml copper sulfate solution: 0.20 molar

       1 small iron (steel) nail: 1 - 3 inches approximately

       1 small test tube

Safety Precautions:

      Copper sulfate is an extremely corrosive and poisonous substance. Be very careful while handling it. Wear gloves and goggles at all times and ensure that there is adult supervision  for this experiment. Follow all other safety procedures in your syllabus.

Procedure:

       1. Carefully place about 20 ml of 0.20 m copper sulfate solution into a small test tube.

       2. Carefully place one iron (steel) nail into the tube. (let it slide down the tube gently with the   tube held at a slight angle.)   

       3. Wait five minutes and observe any changes.

Questions:

1 What happened to the nail?

2. What metal was oxidized?

3. What metal was reduced?

4.  Write the equation for the oxidation of iron to iron 2+.

5. Write the equation for the reduction of copper 2+.

6.  If the nail was made of silver, would the same thing have happened?  Why?