WORKSHEET 3
2 In this experiment you will determine the relative atomic mass of magnesium by thermal
decomposition of hydrated magnesium sulfate.
MgSO4.7H2O(s) → MgSO4(s) + 7H2O(g)
FB 4 is hydrated magnesium sulfate, MgSO4.7H2O.
(a) Method
Record all your weighings in the space below.
● Weigh the crucible with its lid.
● Transfer all FB 4 into the crucible.
● Weigh the crucible, lid and FB 4.
● Place the crucible on the pipe-clay triangle.
● Heat the crucible gently with the lid on, for about one minute.
● Then heat the crucible strongly, without the lid, for a further four minutes.
● Leave the crucible and its contents to cool with the lid on, for several minutes.
● While the crucible is cooling, begin work on Question 3.
● When the crucible has cooled, weigh it, with the lid and contents.
● Calculate and record the mass of anhydrous magnesium sulfate produced and the mass
of water lost.
mass of crucible + lid 18 26.14
mass of Crucible + lid + FB 4/8 28 .
64
mass of crucible + lid + FB4 after heating /g 27.36
mass of anhydrous Mgs041g 1.22 I
of water Lost 1g 1.28
mass
II
III
[3]
(b) Calculations
(i) Calculate the number of moles of water lost during heating.
(Use the data in the Periodic Table on page 12.)
1=28 =
18
0.0711
moles of H2O = ................... mol
(ii) Use the equation above and your answer to (i) to calculate the number of moles of
anhydrous magnesium sulfate produced.
mde ratio
: HZO
MGSOU
: 7
I
×
A : 0.0711 0.0102 mol
moles of MgSO4 = ...................
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(iii) Use your weighings and your answer to (ii) to calculate the relative formula mass, Mr, of
anhydrous magnesium sulfate.
Mar
n ...
0.0102=491
Ar
=
a g. g
120
Mr of MgSO4 = ...................
(iv) From your answer to (iii), calculate the relative atomic mass, Ar, of magnesium.
504 =
32.1+64=96.1
= 120
MGSOU
120-96.1
Mg
=
=
23.9
23.9
Ar of Mg = ...................
[4]
(c) (i) How could the experiment be improved to ensure that the magnesium sulfate had been
completely dehydrated?
Reheat until constant
, we
get
mass
of anhydrous MgS04
.............................................................................................................................................
.
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Why is the lid put on the crucible during cooling?
To moistures
prevent addition water from
.............................................................................................................................................
of air.
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[2]
[Total: 9]
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