Structure 1.1 Sublimation of Iron and Iodine

Structure 1.1.
2
Sublimation of iron and iodine – Observing the crystalline
product under a microscope
Reference:
S1.1.2 The kinetic molecular theory is a model to explain physical properties of matter
(solids, liquids, and gases) and changes of state.
Aim
To observe the process of sublimation.
Introduction
Matter can exist in different states. The fundamental states of matter (the ones that are directly
observable) are solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. The states of matter and their characteristics are
discussed in Structure 1.1.2.
The states of matter of the substances that appear in a chemical reaction are shown with the
state symbols (s) for solid, (l) for liquid, and (g) for gas.
A liquid (l) should not be confused with an aqueous solution, which is denoted as (aq).
For example, NaCl(l) indicates an amount of NaCl that was heated to its melting point to
create molten NaCl. In molten NaCl(l), only liquid Na+ and Cl− ions exist (Figure 1).
NaCl(l)  Na+(l) + Cl−(l)
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Figure 1. Molten sodium chloride
NaCl(aq) indicates that NaCl was dissolved in water to form a solution of aqueous NaCl(aq),
where Na+ and Cl− ions surrounded by water molecules are present (Figure 2).
NaCl(aq)  Na+(aq) + Cl−(aq)
Figure 2. Aqueous sodium chloride
Changes in the state of matter, also referred to as a ‘phase change’, can occur. This is
commonly observed when an ice cube – H2O(s) – turns into liquid water – H2O(l) – when left
at room temperature, or when liquid water turns to steam – H2O(g) – when boiled in a kettle.
As the movement (kinetic energy) of the particles increases with temperature, they will
overcome the inter-particle forces and change state. These state changes occur at a fixed
temperature and pressure for each substance, and are given specific names, as shown
in Figure 3.
Figure 3. The state changes between the solid, liquid and gaseous states
Sublimation is the direct inter-conversion of a solid to a gas without going through the liquid
state. It is characteristic of substances such as iodine, carbon dioxide and ammonium chloride.
Deposition is the reverse of sublimation. It occurs when a gas changes directly to a solid, for
example when snow and frost are formed.
Pre-lab questions
The Kinetic Theory of Matter states that all particles of matter are in constant motion.
The extent of this motion determines the state of matter.
1. What are the differences between a solid, a liquid, and a gas?

2. What are the characteristics of each of the three states of matter, solid, liquid and gas?
Please note
 A full risk assessment should be carried out prior to commencing this experiment.
 Personal safety equipment should be worn.
 Chemicals should be disposed of safely and with due regard to any environmental
considerations
Risk assessment
Material name and chemical Associated risks Measures taken
formula
Environmental risks
Waste products (if any) Associated risks Waste management
Ethical risks
Small amounts should be used when possible. Products should be appropriately stored and
used in subsequent experiments. No harm to people and the environment should be caused
by this experiment.
Equipment list
Chemicals/materials Apparatus (per group of students)
iron filings 2× beakers 20 cm3 or 2× crystallization dish
iodine pellets 2× watch glass
ice cubes spatula
microscope or magnifying glass
hot plate
Method
1. Transfer a few pellets of iodine into a clean and dry 20 cm3 beaker (or crystallization dish).
2. Put the beaker on top of a hot plate and turn the heat on.
3. Place an ice cube on an appropriately sized watch glass, on top of the beaker.
4. Observe the process and note your observations in Table 1. You may have to add more ice
cubes to the watch glass in order to complete the process.
5. Repeat the process with a new clean and dry beaker and watch glass, using iron filings
instead of iodine.
6. Observe the process and record your observations in Table 1.
7. When the process is complete, pure crystals of iodine and of iron will be present on the
underside of the watch glasses. Look at the crystals under a microscope and record their
colour, shape and texture in Table 1.
Analysis
Table 1 – Observations
Sublimation of iodine Sublimation of iron
Observations during
sublimation
(deposition) process
I2 pellets Sublimed I2 Iron filings Sublimed iron
Colour
Shape (geometry)
Texture
Reflection
 This was a skills-building exercise. Evaluate your skills and consider the parts
that may have been challenging for you.
 Describe a method to completely separate a mixture of iron filings, sand and
sodium chloride.
Post–lab report
Write a report where you:
 Summarize the important theoretical concepts described in this lab.

 Summarize the experimental procedures.
 Highlight any important health and safety matters.

Structure 1.1 Sublimation of Iron and Iodine

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Structure 1.1.

NaCl(l)  Na+(l) + Cl−(l)

NaCl(aq)  Na+(aq) + Cl−(aq)

Figure 2. Aqueous sodium chloride

1. What are the differences between a solid, a liquid, and a gas?

Chemicals/materials Apparatus (per group of students)

iron filings 2× beakers 20 cm3 or 2× crystallization dish

iodine pellets 2× watch glass

ice cubes spatula

microscope or magnifying glass

I2 pellets Sublimed I2 Iron filings Sublimed iron

 Summarize the important theoretical concepts described in this lab.

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