Name_________________________________ Partner(s) _____________________________ Date _____
Identification of Substances by Physical Properties
A. Solubility
record as I, S or SS Solute ↓ Solvent→ Water hexane alcohol
Naphthalene
Toluene
liquid unknown # ___
solid unknown # ___
Observations:
B. Density solid# ____ liquid# _____
Calculations: Show ALL calculations used to Volume of liquid
determine the volume and density of the unknowns. Mass of liquid + grad. cylinder
solid #____ liquid Mass of grad. cylinder
#____
Mass of liquid
Density of liquid
C. Melting Point of Solid Unknown # _____
Melting Point Range ____ - ____ oC Estimated Melting Point _____oC
D. Boiling Point of Liquid Unknown # _____
Observed Boiling Point _____ oC @ Pressure =_____mmHg Estimated Normal B.P. _____ oC
E. Unknown Identification Your unknowns are substances contained in Table 2.1. Compare the properties
that you have determined for your unknowns with those in the table. Identify your unknowns and then verify
their identity with your instructor.
Solid # ____ _________________________ Liquid # ____ _____________________________
Percent Error Calculations (show all steps of the calculations in order to determine significant figures)
Solid Density Liquid Density
Solid Melting Point Liquid Boiling Point
Pre-Lab Questions
1) “Melting or freezing points correspond to the temperature at which the liquid and solid states of a
substance are in equilibrium.” What does this statement mean in terms of the phase changes that are
occurring?
2) As you heat a beaker of water you notice small bubbles forming on the sides of the beaker. Does this
mean the water is boiling? (What gas could be in these bubbles?)
3) What will happen to the boiling point of a substance if the atmospheric pressure is 785mmHg? Explain
why this occurs.
4) When you mix two liquids initially the mixture turns cloudy, but after you wait a few seconds to distinct
layers form. Are the liquids miscible or immiscible?
5) When finding the density of your unknown solid, why do you think you must place it in a liquid in which
it is insoluble?
6) Mass of solid = 3.84g Initial volume of liquid = 5.50mL Final volume of liquid + solid = 6.85mL
Calculate the density of the solid. Can you clearly identify the solid? (refer to the data table)
7) Why do you think the water in the beaker should be stirred while finding the melting and boiling points?
8) Look closely at the boiling point apparatus. Why do you think the slit in the stopper should be plugged
with paper?
9) What will happen to the temperature of your liquid unknown at the boiling point? What should you
observe near the boiling chip at this point?
10) Our atmospheric pressure rarely drops below 750mmHg. You observe the boiling point of 70.0oC for a
liquid at this pressure. Why is 70.0oC still a good estimate of the normal boiling point?
11) Are the following substances solids or liquids at room temperature? acetone, t-butyl acohol,
diphenylamine. How do you know?
12) Can you determine the density of lauric acid in ethyl alcohol?
13) When water and toluene are mixed why do two layers form? Which one is the bottom layer?
14) Identify an unknown solid that melts between 42-44 oC and has a density of 0.87 ± 0.05g/mL.
15) Identify an unknown liquid that boils between 55-57oC and has a density of 0.77 ± 0.05g/mL.
16) Which has a greater volume, 10.0g or acetone or 10.0g or toluene? Justify your answer.
Post-Lab
Briefly explain how you identified your unknowns based on your data. Identify any significant error in your
data for each unknown. Explain specific reasons why a value was too high or too low.
