What is the composition of a penny?
In this experiment, students react the zinc core of a penny with acid, to separate the zinc from the copper coating. This lab involves measurement, uncertainties, sig figs... and it's just really cool to see the shell of a penny.
I have had students brainstorm this procedure with me, since it is early in the term and they don't know all the chemistry yet.
This lab focuses on the same math concepts as the %Salt/Sand lab in the Matter section. I probably wouldn't do both in the same year.
Penny: Student Lab Handout
Penny: Teacher notes
I have had students brainstorm this procedure with me, since it is early in the term and they don't know all the chemistry yet.
This lab focuses on the same math concepts as the %Salt/Sand lab in the Matter section. I probably wouldn't do both in the same year.
Penny: Student Lab Handout
Penny: Teacher notes
Identifying an unknown metal using density
Students practice using lab equipment and recording values with uncertainties.
Students need to consider additive uncertainties.
Lab analysis involves graphing and slope.
Density: Student Lab Handout
Density: Teacher notes
Students need to consider additive uncertainties.
Lab analysis involves graphing and slope.
Density: Student Lab Handout
Density: Teacher notes