Description

The composition of a mixture may contain a variety of
unknown components. In some cases, the components
of a mixture may be known but the exact quantities
are not. Analytical chemists have a variety of tools and
techniques to analyze unknown substances and arrive
at conclusions on the compounds/percentages in
the mixture. Students will determine the percentage
composition of sodium carbonate and sodium
bicarbonate in an unknown sample. The mixture is
heated vigorously until the sodium bicarbonate is
completely decomposed to sodium carbonate. The
only other products of the reaction are carbon dioxide
and water. After performing the necessary calculations,
students will determine the percentage of sodium
bicarbonate that was present in their original sample.
There are enough materials for 15 groups. Teacher’s
manual and student copy masters are included.