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Aim
Activity 1.1 – Burning of Magnesium Ribbon

To observe what happens when a magnesium ribbon is burned in air and to identify the nature of the
chemical reaction.

Materials Required
Magnesium ribbon (3–4 cm), sandpaper, tongs, burner/spirit lamp, watch glass, safety goggles.

Theory / Background
Magnesium is a reactive metal. When it reacts with oxygen present in air, it undergoes a chemical
change and forms a new substance called magnesium oxide. This activity helps us understand how a
chemical reaction takes place and how new substances are formed.

Procedure
First, a small piece of magnesium ribbon is taken and cleaned using sandpaper. This step is
important because magnesium ribbon develops a thin protective layer of magnesium oxide on its
surface, which prevents easy burning. After cleaning, the ribbon is held with the help of tongs. The
magnesium ribbon is then heated over a burner flame carefully. While heating, the ribbon is kept
away from the eyes. A watch glass is placed below to collect the ash formed after burning.

Observation
When the magnesium ribbon is heated, it burns with a very bright white flame. After complete
burning, a white powdery substance is collected in the watch glass. The original shiny magnesium
ribbon completely disappears and a new substance is formed.

Chemical Equation

Result / Inference
• A new substance (magnesium oxide) is formed.
• Heat and light energy are released.
• This proves that a chemical reaction has taken place.

Type of Reaction
Combination reaction and oxidation reaction.

Conclusion
This activity shows that when magnesium reacts with oxygen, a new substance is formed with
properties different from magnesium. Hence, it is a chemical change.
Precautions
• Always wear safety goggles.
• Do not look directly at the burning magnesium.
• Perform the activity under teacher supervision.

⚡ Activity 1.7 – Electrolysis of Water

Materials Required
Plastic mug, water, dilute sulphuric acid, carbon (graphite) electrodes, rubber stoppers, two test
tubes, 6V battery, connecting wires.

Theory / Background
Water is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen. When electricity is passed through acidulated
water, it breaks down into its components. This process is called electrolysis and it is a type of
decomposition reaction.

Procedure
A plastic mug is taken and two holes are made at its base. Carbon electrodes are inserted through
rubber stoppers and fixed in the holes. The mug is filled with water and a few drops of dilute
sulphuric acid are added to increase conductivity. Two test tubes filled with water are inverted over
the electrodes. The electrodes are connected to a 6V battery and the current is switched on.

Observation
After some time, bubbles start forming at both electrodes. One test tube fills faster than the other.
The gas collected at the cathode is double in volume compared to the gas at the anode.

Testing of Gases
• Gas collected in larger quantity burns with a pop sound → Hydrogen
• Gas collected in smaller quantity helps in burning → Oxygen

Chemical Equation

Result / Inference
• Water decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen.
• Volume ratio of hydrogen to oxygen is 2:1.
Type of Reaction
Decomposition reaction.

Conclusion
This activity proves that water is a compound and can be broken into simpler substances using
electricity.

Precautions
• Use dilute acid only.
• Do not touch electrodes while current is flowing.
• Perform under supervision.

🔄 Activity 1.9 – Displacement Reaction (Iron and Copper

Materials Required
Iron nails, copper sulphate solution, two test tubes, thread, sandpaper.

Theory / Background
A more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its compound. Iron is more reactive
than copper, so it displaces copper from copper sulphate solution.

Procedure
Iron nails are cleaned with sandpaper. Two test tubes are taken and copper sulphate solution is
added to both. In one test tube, iron nails tied with a thread are immersed, while the other is kept as
a control. The setup is left undisturbed for about 20 minutes.

Observation
The blue colour of copper sulphate solution fades and turns light green. A reddish-brown coating is
seen on the iron nails.

Chemical Equation

Result / Inference
• Iron displaces copper from its solution.
• New substances are formed.
Type of Reaction
Displacement reaction.

Conclusion
This activity confirms that iron is more reactive than copper.

Precautions
• Clean the nails properly.
• Do not disturb the test tubes during reaction.

🧪 Activity 2.3 – Reaction of Zinc with Dilute Acids

Materials Required
Zinc granules, dilute sulphuric acid, test tube, soap solution, candle, delivery tube.

Theory / Background
Metals react with acids to produce salt and hydrogen gas. This activity helps identify hydrogen gas
through a simple test.

Procedure
Zinc granules are taken in a test tube. Dilute sulphuric acid is added slowly. The gas evolved is
passed through soap solution using a delivery tube. Soap bubbles are formed. A burning candle is
brought near the bubbles.

Observation
Bubbles burn with a pop sound, confirming the presence of hydrogen gas.

Chemical Equation

Result /
Inference
• Hydrogen gas is evolved.
• Zinc reacts actively with acids.

Conclusion
This activity proves that metals react with acids to form hydrogen gas.
Precautions
• Add acid slowly.
• Keep flame at a safe distance.

🔁 Activity 3.12 – Metals Reacting with Metal Salt Solutions

Materials Required
Copper wire, iron nail, iron sulphate solution, copper sulphate solution, test tubes.

Theory / Background
Displacement reactions depend on reactivity series. A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive
metal from its salt solution.

Procedure
Copper wire is placed in iron sulphate solution and iron nail is placed in copper sulphate solution.
Both are left undisturbed for 20 minutes.

Observation
• No change in iron sulphate solution with copper wire.
• Blue copper sulphate solution turns green and iron nail gets copper coating.

Inference
Iron is more reactive than copper.

Chemical Equation

Conclusion
Only more reactive metals can displace less reactive metals from their compounds.