Chemistry Practical

Experiment 1A : Determination of pH of Various Samples Using pH Paper or Universal

Indicator

Aim

To determine the pH of the following samples using pH paper or universal indicator:

1. Dilute Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

2. Dilute Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution
3. Dilute Ethanoic Acid (CH₃COOH) solution
4. Lemon juice
5. Water
6. Dilute Hydrogen Carbonate (NaHCO₃) solution

Theory

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 and measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution:

pH < 7: Acidic

pH = 7: Neutral

pH > 7: Basic

The strength of acids and bases depends on the concentration of (hydrogen ions) or
(hydroxide ions) in the solution:

Strong acids (e.g., HCl) release more , lowering the pH.

Strong bases (e.g., NaOH) release more , increasing the pH.

Weak acids (e.g., ethanoic acid) and weak bases (e.g., hydrogen carbonate) partially dissociate
in water.

pH paper or universal indicators are used to estimate the pH of a solution based on the color
change.

Materials Required

1. Samples to be tested:
•Dilute Hydrochloric Acid
•Dilute Sodium Hydroxide solution
•Dilute Ethanoic Acid solution
•Lemon juice
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•Distilled water
•Dilute Hydrogen Carbonate solution

2. pH paper or universal indicator solution

3. Glass rods

4. Test tubes and test tube stand

5. Dropper

6. Distilled water for cleaning

Procedure

1. Take small amounts of the given samples in separate test tubes.

2. Dip a clean glass rod into the first sample and touch it to a strip of pH paper or add a few
drops of the sample to the universal indicator solution.

3. Observe the color change on the pH paper or in the indicator solution and match it with the
provided pH scale to determine the pH value.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all the given samples, using clean apparatus for each sample.

5. Record the observations.

Observations

Result
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1. The pH values of the samples range from strongly acidic to strongly basic.

2. The experiment verifies that:

Hydrochloric acid is strongly acidic.

Sodium hydroxide is strongly basic.

Ethanoic acid is weakly acidic.

Lemon juice is strongly acidic.

Water is neutral.

Hydrogen carbonate is weakly basic.

Discussion

pH determination helps classify solutions as acidic, basic, or neutral.

The universal indicator provides a more precise pH range than pH paper.

The results are consistent with the theoretical dissociation of the given substances.

Precautions

1. Handle acids and bases with care to avoid skin contact.

2. Use clean and dry apparatus for each sample.

3. Avoid contamination of solutions by using separate droppers or glass rods.

4. Match the color changes immediately to avoid errors due to prolonged exposure to air.

Experiment 1B : Studying the properties of acids and bases (HCl & NaOH) on the basis
of their reaction.

Aim

To study the properties of acids (HCl) and bases (NaOH) on the basis of their reactions with:
a) Litmus solution (blue/red)
b) Zinc metal
c) Solid sodium carbonate
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Theory

Acids: Acids are substances that produce hydrogen ions (H⁺) in aqueous solutions. They turn
blue litmus red, react with metals to release hydrogen gas, and react with carbonates to release
carbon dioxide gas.
Example: Hydrochloric acid (HCl).

Bases: Bases are substances that produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in aqueous solutions. They
turn red litmus blue and do not typically react with metals or carbonates like acids.
Example: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

Reactions Involved:

1. With litmus solution:

Acid (HCl): Blue litmus → Red

Base (NaOH): Red litmus → Blue

2. With zinc metal:

Acid (HCl): Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂↑

Base (NaOH): No reaction.

3. With solid sodium carbonate:

Acid (HCl): 2HCl + Na₂CO₃ → 2NaCl + H₂O + CO₂↑

Base (NaOH): No reaction.

Materials Required

1.Hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution

2.Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution
3.Blue and red litmus solutions
4.Zinc granules
5.Solid sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃)
6.Test tubes
7.Test tube holder
8.Dropper

Procedure
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1. Reaction with Litmus Solution

Take two test tubes and add a few drops of HCl in one and NaOH in the other.

Add blue litmus solution to both test tubes and observe the color change.

Repeat the process using red litmus solution.

2. Reaction with Zinc Metal

Take two test tubes. Add a small piece of zinc granule in each.

Add HCl to one test tube and NaOH to the other.

Observe for any reaction or gas evolution.

3. Reaction with Solid Sodium Carbonate

Take two test tubes. Add a small amount of solid sodium carbonate to each.

Add HCl to one test tube and NaOH to the other.

Observe for effervescence or gas release.

Observations

Result and Discussion

Result

HCl exhibits acidic properties by turning blue litmus red, reacting with zinc to release hydrogen
gas, and reacting with sodium carbonate to release carbon dioxide gas.
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NaOH exhibits basic properties by turning red litmus blue and showing no reaction with zinc or
sodium carbonate.

Discussion

Acids and bases behave differently due to the ions they produce in solutions. HCl releases H⁺
ions, causing characteristic reactions, while NaOH releases OH⁻ ions, which generally do not
react with metals or carbonates.

Precautions

1. Handle acids and bases carefully to avoid skin burns.

2. Use clean and dry apparatus for accurate results.
3. Add acids and bases dropwise to prevent spillage.
4. Perform the experiment in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood.
5. Dispose of chemicals safely after the experiment.

Experiment 2 : Performing and Observing Chemical Reactions and Classifying Them into
Combination, Decomposition, Displacement, and Double Displacement Reactions

Aim

To observe and classify the following chemical reactions based on their nature:

1. Action of water on quicklime.

2. Action of heat on ferrous sulphate crystals.
3. Reaction of iron nails with copper sulphate solution.
4. Reaction between sodium sulphate and barium chloride solutions.

Theory

Chemical reactions can be classified into the following types:

1. Combination Reaction: Two or more substances combine to form a single product.

Example: CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2.

2. Decomposition Reaction: A single compound breaks down into two or more simpler
substances.

Example: 2FeSO4 → Fe2O3 + SO2 + SO3.

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3. Displacement Reaction: A more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its
compound.

Example: Fe + CuSO4 →FeSO4 + Cu.

4. Double Displacement Reaction: Exchange of ions between two compounds forms new
compounds.

Example: Na2SO4 + BaCl2→ BaSO4 + 2NaCl.

Materials Required

Quicklime (Calcium oxide)

Water
Ferrous sulphate crystals
Iron nails
Copper sulphate solution
Sodium sulphate solution
Barium chloride solution
Test tubes
Test tube holder
Beakers
Dropper
Spatula
Bunsen burner
Tripod stand
Wire gauze

Procedure, Observations, and Results:

1. Action of Water on Quicklime

Procedure:

a. Take a small amount of quicklime (CaO) in a beaker.

b. Slowly add water to it.

Observation

The mixture becomes hot, and a white suspension of slaked lime (Ca(OH)2) is formed.

Result
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This is a Combination Reaction as calcium oxide and water combine to form calcium hydroxide.
CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2

2. Action of Heat on Ferrous Sulphate Crystals

Procedure

a. Take a small amount of ferrous sulphate (FeSO4 •7H2O) crystals in a test tube.

b. Heat the test tube gently over a flame.

Observation

The crystals lose water, turn white, and then decompose, emitting a pungent smell of SO2 and
SO3 .

Result

This is a Decomposition Reaction as ferrous sulphate decomposes into ferric oxide, sulphur
dioxide, and sulphur trioxide.
2FeSO4 → Fe2O3+ SO2+ SO3

3. Iron Nails Kept in Copper Sulphate Solution

Procedure

a. Take a beaker with copper sulphate (CuSO4) solution.

b. Immerse clean iron nails in the solution and leave for 15–20 minutes.

Observation

The blue color of the copper sulphate solution fades, and a reddish-brown layer of copper is
deposited on the iron nails.

Result

This is a Displacement Reaction as iron displaces copper from copper sulphate.

Fe+ CuSO4 → FeSO4+Cu

4. Reaction Between Sodium Sulphate and Barium Chloride Solutions

Procedure
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a. Take sodium sulphate () solution in a test tube.

b. Add barium chloride () solution dropwise and mix.

Observation

A white precipitate of barium sulphate (BaSO4) is formed.

Result

This is a Double Displacement Reaction as ions are exchanged to form new compounds.
Na2SO4 + BaCl2 → BaSO4 + 2Nacl

Precautions

1. Handle chemicals like quicklime and copper sulphate with care.

2. Use a test tube holder while heating ferrous sulphate.
3. Avoid direct contact with chemicals; use a spatula.
4. Dispose of the chemicals safely after the experiment.
5. Wear safety goggles and gloves during the experiment.

Discussion

•Each reaction demonstrates a fundamental type of chemical reaction.

•These observations highlight the importance of understanding reaction mechanisms.

•In real-life applications, combination reactions are used in construction (e.g., slaked lime in
mortar), decomposition reactions in industry (e.g., thermal decomposition), displacement
reactions in metallurgy, and double displacement reactions in water treatment processes.

Conclusion

The given reactions were successfully performed and classified as follows:

1. Combination Reaction: Action of water on quicklime.

2. Decomposition Reaction: Action of heat on ferrous sulphate.
3. Displacement Reaction: Reaction of iron nails with copper sulphate solution.
4. Double Displacement Reaction: Reaction between sodium sulphate and barium chloride.

Experiment 3: Observing the Action of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Al Metals on Salt Solutions

Aim
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To observe the reactions of Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), and Aluminum (Al) metals with the
given salt solutions—ZnSO₄, FeSO₄, CuSO₄, and Al₂(SO₄)₃—and to arrange these metals in
decreasing order of reactivity based on their displacement reactions.

Theory

1. Displacement Reaction: A more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its salt
solution. For example: Metal A + Metal B Salt → Metal A Salt + Metal B

2. Reactivity Series: Metals are arranged in a series based on their ability to lose electrons
(oxidation) and form positive ions. The more reactive a metal, the higher it is in the series.

Order of Reactivity: Al > Zn > Fe > Cu

(Expected based on standard series)

3. Objective: To confirm this order experimentally by observing displacement reactions.

Materials Required

1. Strips/pieces of metals: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), and Aluminum (Al)

2. Salt solutions:
Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4)
Iron sulfate (FeSO4)
Copper sulfate (CuSO4)
Aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3)

3. Test tubes (16)

4. Test tube stand

5. Sandpaper (for cleaning metal surfaces)

6. Dropper

7. Distilled water (if needed for rinsing)

Procedure

1. Preparation:

•Label four test tubes for each metal (Zn, Fe, Cu, and Al) and fill them with respective salt
solutions (ZnSO4,FeSO4,CuSO4,Al2(SO4)3 ).
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•Clean the metal strips with sandpaper to remove any oxide layer and ensure proper reaction.

2. Experiment:

•Add a strip of Zinc to the four solutions in separate test tubes.

•Repeat the above step with Iron, Copper, and Aluminum.

•Observe and note the changes in each test tube.

3. Observations:

Record the appearance of displacement (color change, deposition of metal, or bubbling).

Check for no reaction or displacement if the metal is less reactive.

Observation Table

Result

1. Displacement reactions confirm the following reactivity order:

Al > Zn > Fe > Cu

Discussion

•Reactivity Confirmation: Aluminum displaced all other metals (except in Al2(SO4)3 , where it
had no reaction as it is already part of the salt).

No Reaction with Same Metal Salt: Metals do not react with solutions of their own salts (e.g., Zn
with ZnSO4).

Practical Applications: This experiment supports the use of highly reactive metals in sacrificial
protection (e.g., Al and Zn in rust prevention).
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Precautions

1. Use clean, oxide-free metal strips for accurate reactions.

2. Label all test tubes correctly to avoid confusion.

3. Handle chemicals carefully and wear gloves and goggles during the experiment.

4. Dispose of solutions properly after the experiment.

Experiment 4: Study of the Properties of Acetic Acid (Ethanoic Acid)

Aim

To study the following properties of acetic acid (ethanoic acid):

1. Odour

2. Solubility in water

3. Effect on litmus paper

4. Reaction with sodium hydrogen carbonate

Theory

Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH) is a weak organic acid and the main component of vinegar. It is a
carboxylic acid with a sharp smell and sour taste.

Chemical Properties:

•It dissociates partially in water, releasing H⁺ ions.

•It reacts with bases, carbonates, and hydrogen carbonates to form salts, water, and carbon
dioxide gas.

Chemical Reaction with Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (NaHCO₃):

CH₃COOH + NaHCO₃ → CH₃COONa + CO₂ + H₂O

Materials Required

1. Acetic acid solution (5%)

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2. Water

3. Blue and red litmus papers

4. Test tube

5. Dropper

6. Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃) powder

7. Test tube stand

Procedure

1. Odour Test

Take a small amount of acetic acid in a test tube and smell it cautiously by wafting the air
towards your nose.

2. Solubility in Water

Take a small amount of water in a test tube.

Add a few drops of acetic acid using a dropper.

Shake the test tube gently and observe whether the acetic acid dissolves completely.

3. Effect on Litmus Paper

Take a strip of blue litmus paper and dip it in acetic acid.

Similarly, dip a red litmus paper into acetic acid.

Observe any color change.

4. Reaction with Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate

Take a small amount of sodium hydrogen carbonate powder in a test tube.

Add a few drops of acetic acid to it using a dropper.

Observe the reaction, including effervescence and gas evolution.

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Observations

Result

1. Acetic acid has a strong vinegar-like odour.

2. It is highly soluble in water.
3. Acetic acid is acidic in nature and turns blue litmus paper red.
4. It reacts with sodium hydrogen carbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Discussion

1. Odour: The pungent smell of acetic acid is due to the carboxyl group (-COOH).
2. Solubility: Acetic acid is polar, so it mixes well with water, forming a homogeneous solution.
3. Effect on litmus: Acetic acid, being acidic, releases H⁺ ions, which turn blue litmus red.
4. Reaction with NaHCO₃: The reaction confirms the acidic nature of acetic acid as it reacts with
a base to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Precautions

1. Handle acetic acid carefully as it can cause irritation.

2. Do not smell the acid directly; use the wafting technique.

3. Use clean apparatus to avoid contamination.

4. Add acetic acid dropwise during the reaction to avoid excessive effervescence.

5. Dispose of the chemicals properly after the experiment.