Hypothesis
"The temperature rise when a metal reacts with a solution of copper chloride varies with the reactivity of the metal"
Equipment
- 25 cm3 measuring cylinder
- Thermometer
- Plastic cup
- Beaker
- Spatula
- Glass rod
- Balance
- Copper Chloride solution
- Metal powders
Method
First of all place the plastic cup in the beaker and pour in 25cm3 of copper chloride solution, Now, measure the temperature of the solution. Using the balance, weigh out 0.5g of one of the metal powders, add to the copper chloride solution and stir. Now measure the new temperature of the solution and record in a table. Wash out the plastic cup and repeat for the other metal powders.
Variables
Independent variable: Type of metal powder
Dependent variable: Change in temperature of copper chloride solution (measured with thermometer)
Control variables : Volume of copper chloride solution, starting temperature of copper chloride solution, mass of metal powder.
Risk Assessment
The experiment is relatively safe. Care must be taken with handling the metal powders (using a spatula) and the copper chloride solution. These are low risks and can be minimized by mopping up spillages immediately.