Magnesium to Oxygen

Ionic Compound Lab Chem G AFall 2011

Objective To determine the ratio of magnesium to oxygen in an ionic

compound.

Materials Bunsen burner, tripod, ceramic triangle, crucible,

crucible cover, approximately 40 cm of magnesium, safety glasses.

Procedure1. Set up your lab station as demonstrated by your lab

instructor.

2. Clean the magnesium ribbon with steel wool until shiny.

Procedure continued

3. Heat the crucible for 3-5 minutes in a hot flame. From now on, handle the crucible

with the crucible tongs.

4. Allow the crucible to cool for 4 minutes.

Procedure continued

5. Mass the crucible empty on the scale and record the mass on your lab sheet.

Procedure continued

6. Place the crumbled magnesium ribbon into the crucible and record the mass again.

Procedure continued

7. Place the crucible onto the triangle and heat with the cover closed for 3-5 minutes.

Procedure continued

8. Carefully more the lid to an “ajar” position as demonstrated by your

instructor. 9. Continue to heat the crucible and

allowing the magnesium to react for 6-10 minutes.

Procedure continued

10. Turn the Bunsen burner off. 11. Place the crucible using the tongs onto the ceramic square

to cool for 2-4 minutes.

Procedure continued

12. Mass the crucible again and record the mass on your lab sheet. Return the crucible to the triangle and heat vigorously for 3-5 minutes with the cover open.

Procedure continued

13. Turn off the bunsen burner and place the crucible onto the ceramic square to cool. Mass it a 4th time. If the last two massings are the same (within a 0.01) the burn was complete.