MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
AP CHEMISTRY
GAS-PRODUCING CONTEST

The purpose of this activity is be the first group to produce a specific volume of hydrogen gas (25.0 or 50.0 mL by class consensus) by the reaction of zinc metal with hydrochloric acid.

NOTES

  1. These reactions involve acid! So you must wear your goggles.
  2. You should keep precise data for every trial you perform. If you decide the data set for a trial is "no good" you should report it, but label it "discarded."
  3. Before you start, answer these questions (as a group):
    a. What's the reaction of zinc metal with hydrochloric acid?
    b. How can we measure the volume of gas produced?

ANALYSIS
Each group will pass in their own lab. Each lab should include the following numbered sections:

  1. Title Section
  2. Data Table - clear, beautiful, correct, sorted, and inspiring. It should include the data that led on the path you to the winning combination.
  3. Balance the reaction.
  4. Which element in the reaction above is reduced? Explain how you know.
  5. The time and date you achieved the volume you are claiming, along with my signature, on a "validation page" of your own design.

STUDENT LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
ACADEMIC
1. A Middletown High School graduate will effectively utilize literacy skills:
reading analysis and interpretation, writing, listening, and speaking.
2. A Middletown High School graduate will acquire, analyze, and evaluate
information and ideas to solve problems effectively.
CIVIC
2. A Middletown High School graduate will demonstrate a personal sense of
ethics that will include honesty, integrity, and self-control.
SOCIAL
1. A Middletown High School graduate will demonstrate responsibility for his or
her own actions, behaviors, and academic success.
2. A Middletown High School graduate will work cooperatively to achieve group
goals and to resolve issues.


A FINAL NOTE:
Get all of the jokes about a "gas producing challenge" out of your system (ha ha) before you write the lab.

[MHS AP Chemistry Page]