Activity of Valence 1 Metals
Purpose
This experiment will show the difference between alkali metals and transition metals having a valence of one.Dangerous Experiment:
Goggles, rubber gloves and aprons must be worn and adequate ventilation provided.
Read the MSDS sheets before proceeding.
- Procedure #1
- Place a piece of lithium, one half the size of a pea into a 250 ml. beaker containing 100 ml. of water. Record what happens and test with universal indicator.
- Same as #1, but use sodium and new water.
- Same as #1, but use potassium and new water
- Procedure #2
- Place a piece of copper into 5M nitric acid (HNO3). Let it sit for several minutes and record what happens.
- Same as #1, but use silver.
- Same as #1, but use gold.
- Procedure #3
- Check lithium with nitric acid and compare the results to part 1.
- Check copper with water and compare the results to part 1.
- Place a piece of lithium, one half the size of a pea into a 250 ml. beaker containing 100 ml. of water. Record what happens and test with universal indicator.
- Same as #1, but use sodium and new water.
- Same as #1, but use potassium and new water
- Place a piece of copper into 5M nitric acid (HNO3). Let it sit for several minutes and record what happens.
- Same as #1, but use silver.
- Same as #1, but use gold.
- Check lithium with nitric acid and compare the results to part 1.
- Check copper with water and compare the results to part 1.
Conclusion
Compare the results of procedure 1 with the results of procedure 2. How does the activity of the metals in procedure 1 compare with each other as mass increases? How does the activity of the metals in procedure 2 compare with each other as mass increases? Explain the difference in reaction rate between copper in water and copper in nitric acid. Write balance equations for all reactions.
