Britt's Experiment 1.1 Atoms and Molecules

Experiment 1.1 Atoms and Molecules

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I. Purpose

Atoms and molecules make up almost everything that surrounds us. Individually, they are too small to see. However, you can distinguish between different kinds of atoms and different kinds of molecules by examining the substances they make up, as well as how those substances change. In this experiment, we will observe molecules breaking down while other molecules are built up. By observing these changes, you will learn about the difference between atoms and molecules.



II. Equipment

• A clear glass
  


• Baking soda
  


• Water
  


• A 9-volt battery
  


• Two 9-inch pieces of insulated copper wire
  


• Scissors
  


• Electrical tape
  


• A spoon
  


• Goggles
  


• Lab Partner
  

III. Procedure

Same as in book except new battery was used after the first one did not work.


IV. Data and Observations

We assembled the experiment according to the procedure. At first the water was murky from the baking soda dissolving then after a minute or so it became clear. We put the positive and negative terminal connected wires into the water and waited. We waited 2 minuets for the bubbles to appear. Nothing happened we checked our connections to the battery and applied more tape. Then we realized the battery was dead. So we got another battery took the wirers out the water dried them off to lower the risk of electrocution and attached the new battery. We put both wires back into opposite sides of the baking soda/ water solution. Within a few seconds the solution started to bubble and over a period of 8 minuets the water, and the wire from the positive terminal turned bluish-green.


V. Conclusions

Overall the lab went well because we found out what the problem was and we fixed it. By doing this experiment we explored that the electricity from the battery, through the wires, and into the water/ baking soda solution caused a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction was between the water molecules , baking soda molecules, and the atoms in the copper wires. The electricity from the battery split some of the water molecules into hydrogen gases and oxygen gases causing bubbles. The copper atoms, water molecules, and baking soda molecules interacted. The electricity from the positive terminal connected wire caused the creation of the substance copper hydroxycarbonate. The copper hydroxycarbonate turned the wire a vivid, bright turquoise/ aqua color.


VI. Bibliography
Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Anderson, IN: Apologia Educational Ministries, 2007
McKeeman, Lori. Course website. Sept. 2008-June 2009.