1. Read all directions first.  Make sure all masses are recorded to the nearest 0.0001g.  Use the analytical balance.
2. Scour some stripped Romex house wire with iron wool until it is shiny.  Cut a length approximately 3-5 inches long.  Curl this piece into a circle and leave an inch or so sticking out of the plane of the circle for a handle.
3. Determine the mass of the dry copper.
4. Place the wire in a small beaker.  Add silver nitrate solution to cover the circle of wire.  Observe.
5. Gently rinse the wire off with a distilled water bottle.  Add more silver nitrate.  Repeat this step three or four times.  Make sure not to lose any of the precipitate.
6. Write your name on a piece of filter paper (in pencil) and record its mass.
7. Collect the precipitate, and rinse it thoroughly.  Set it aside to dry.
8. Dry the clean wire and determine its mass.
9. When the filter paper is dry, record its mass.
10. Complete the data table below, including all appropriate labels.  Show ALL calculations on the back of this printout.

Questions

    1.    Which element was reduced?  Write the net reduction reaction.
 
 

    2.    Which element was oxidized?  Write the net oxidation reaction.
 
 

    3.    Write the balanced net reaction.
 
 
 

    4.    Briefly explain why your ratios were not exactly whole number equivalents.
 

[MHS AP Chem page]