Countertop Chemistry Experiment 10
Micro-Reaction Lab: Single Replacement

This procedure will allow the student to develop a basic activity series through an exploration of single replacement reactions.

Procedure

1. Using either a spot plate or 8 watch-glasses, arrange the solids (one small piece or the amount that would fit on the tip of a spatula) in the respective wells as show on the diagram below:
   
   
   
2. Add approximately 10 drops of each required solution into each well.
3. Record any color changes or gas production.
4. Write a balanced equation for any reactions that occur. Include physical state symbols for the reactants and products.
5. Construct an activity series by listing the elements in decreasing order of reactivity.
   [e.g. Zn (s)+ Cu_²+(aq) -> Cu (s) + Zn²+ (aq) implies that zinc is above copper in the activity series.]

Data and Observations

I.

II.

III.

IV.

V.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

Teacher's Notes

Anticipated reactions are:

I. Zn (s) + CuSO₄ (aq) --------> Cu (s) + ZnSO₄ (aq)
Copper forms on zinc. Solution color becomes less blue.

II. 2Al (s) + 3CuSO₄ (aq) --------> 3Cu (s) + Al₂(SO₄)₃ (aq)
Copper forms on aluminum.

III. Zn (s) + AgNO₃ (aq) ---------> Ag (s) + ZnSO₄ (aq)
Silver crystals form on zinc.

IV. Cu (s) + 2AgNO₃ (aq) --------> 2Ag (s) + Cu(NO₃)₂ (aq)
Silver crystals grow on copper.

V. Zn (s) + Pb(NO₃)₂ (aq) ---------> Pb (s) + Zn(NO₃)₂ (aq)
Dull gray lead forms on zinc.

VI. Cu (s) + Pb(NO₃)₂ (aq) ---------> No Reaction.
Copper will not replace lead.

VII. Zn (s) + 2HCl (aq) ---------> ZnCl₂ (aq) + H2 (g)
Zinc reacts with the acid, and hydrogen gas is released.

VIII. 2Al (s) + 6HCl (aq) ---------> 2AlCl₃ (aq) + 3H₂ (g)
Aluminum reacts with the acid, and hydrogen gas is released.

Activity series that is achievable by the reactions in this experiment:
Zn (Al)
Pb (Al)
H
Cu
Ag

Note that the position of aluminum in this series cannot be precisely determined. It is MORE ACTIVE than hydrogen.

Disposal

Aqueous solutions of HCl, Zn(NO₃)₂, AgNO₃, and Cu(SO₄)₂ may be flushed down the sink. Solutions of Pb(NO₃)₂ and Cu(NO₃)₂ should be evaporated, and the solid residue should be placed in a solid waste disposal container. Solid metals should also be placed in a solid waste container.

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