SILVER LAB

Problem: How much silver can we make by putting in a set amount of cupper?

Hypothesis: If we put in a set amount of copper, then we will make (1)

a. The same mass of silverb. Double the mass of silverc. Less than double the mass of silverd. More than double the mass of silver

Procedure:

1. Get a 250mL Beaker for your group (of up to 4 people), fill it with 200mL of distilled water

2. Cut out a 2” x 2” square of paper and place a small scoop of silver nitrate on it.

3. Weight your paper and silver nitrate on the scale, record your results4. Pour the silver nitrate into your water and stir5. Weigh the paper and subtract it from your other values so you know the mass

of just the silver nitrate, record your results6. Take a small piece of copper and weigh it, record your results7. Put the copper in your solution and record the initial color of the solution, and

then play the waiting game…8. Keep playing…9. Note the color of your solution, record it.10.Take out any remaining copper, dry it, then weigh it and record your result11.Filter out your silver, dry it, then record your results12.Fill in the observations table

Observations: (2)

Weight of Silver nitrate (not including paper): __________g

Weight of Copper used (before – after): __________g

Weight of Silver made in the reaction: ___________g

Color before the reaction: _________

Color after the reaction: _________

Questions:

Write the balanced equation for the reaction that takes place in your beaker. (2)

Why is distilled water used instead of tap water? (2)

What electrolytes were in the solution before and after? (2)

Was the solution conductive before the silver formed? Will it be after the silver forms? (2)

Compared to the amount of copper used, the mass of silver was: (1)a. The same mass of silverb. Double the mass of silverc. Less than double the mass of silverd. More than double the mass of silver

Explain your answer above in terms of the chemical equation and masses of the elements (3)