Magnesium Oxide Experiment

Question 1

Describe the steps of the experiment.

Answer 1

1. Measure mass of crucible with lid
2. Add sample of metal into crucible and measure mass with lid
3. Calculate the mass of metal by subtracting the mass of empty crucible
4. Turn on the bunsen burner and heat the crucible over with a strong heat for several minutes
5. Lift the lid frequently to allow sufficient air into the crucible for the metal to fully oxidise without letting magnesium oxide escape
6. Continue heating until the mass of crucible remains constant (maximum mass), indicating that the reaction is complete
7. Measure the mass of crucible and contents (calculate the mass of metal oxide by subtracting the mass of empty crucible)

Question 2

Describe how to calculate the Empirical Formula.

Answer 2

To calculate the mass of metal, subtract mass of crucible from metal and mass of empty crucible.
To calculate the mass of oxygen, subtract mass of metal used from the mass of magnesium oxide

Divide each of the two masses by the relative atomic masses of elements to find the moles
Simplify the ratio