PAG 7: Production of salts

Question 1

Safety

Answer 1

• Dilute acids and magnesium carbonate are irritants and copper carbonate is harmful. Lead compounds are toxic. During the preparation of the salt, eye protection should be worn at all times. Avoid getting the copper carbonate and acids on the skin. Wash hands thoroughly when the practical is complete.

Question 2

Equipment

Answer 2

Equipment
•	25 cm3 measuring cylinder
•	100 cm3 beaker x3
•	spatula x2
•	glass rod x2
•	filter paper
•	funnel x2
•	tongs
•	10 cm3 measuring cylinder
•	watch glass
•	balance	•	Bunsen burner, heat proof mat, tripod, gauze
•	evaporating basin
•	1 mol/dm3 sulfuric acid
•	2 mol/dm3 hydrochloric acid
•	magnesium carbonate powder
•	copper(II) carbonate powder
•	plastic dropping pipette x2
•	0.1 mol/dm3 lead nitrate
•	0.1 mol/dm3 potassium iodide

Question 3

Method for Making a Soluble Salt (8 steps)

Answer 3

1 Use a measuring cylinder to transfer 20 cm3 of acid into a beaker.
2 Add half a spatula of the metal carbonate into the acid and stir with the glass rod.
3 Continue adding half a spatula of metal carbonate until the fizzing stops and no more will dissolve.
4 Set up a filter funnel and filter paper in a conical flask. Filter the mixture, keeping the filtrate and discarding the residue.
5 Pour the filtrate into an evaporating basin and place it on a beaker of water. Heat the water gently until the volume of the solution in the evaporating dish is halved.
6 Remove from the heat. When it is cool, stand the evaporating basin on a piece of paper with your name on. Leave in a warm place to crystallise. (Or in a drying oven)
7 When crystals have formed, use a spatula to remove them and gently pat dry on filter paper.
8 Record the mass of the crystals made. Look closely at the crystals and describe how they look

Question 4

Method for Making an Insoluble Salt

5 steps

Answer 4

1 Use a measuring cylinder to transfer 10 cm3 of lead nitrate into a beaker.
2 Wash the measuring cylinder and then use it to transfer 10 cm3 potassium iodide into the beaker.
3 Stir the mixture.
4 Set up a filter funnel and filter paper in a conical flask. Filter the mixture, keeping the residue.
5 Leave the filter paper on a labelled watch glass to dry in a warm place