Quantities and Reactions : Single Replacement

Predict the mass of copper consumed in a single replacement reaction.

Lab Summary:

This activity is in two parts. In the first lab, students use a colorimeter to determine the ion concentration in a solution. In the second lab, students will predict an unknown product mass.

Students will investigate the reaction of copper metal with a solution of silver nitrate (AgNO₃). Because this reaction is characterized by a color change, students will use a Colorimeter to measure the absorbance of the solution after the reaction has occurred. Using the standard curve created in the first lab, students will determine the concentration of the solution, and ultimately calculate how much metallic copper was consumed during the reaction.

Download free labs:

(student versions)

Computer-based lab - Part 1  (PDF, 532 KB)
Computer-based lab - Part 2  (PDF, 472 KB)

Method:

Use a Colorimeter to determine the characteristics of single replacement reactions.

Here's What You Need:

Required for computer-based lab:

(See lab download for Xplorer GLX-based lab requirements, which may differ)

Probeware

• PASPORT Colorimeter with cuvettes (PS-2121)
• Xplorer GLX Graphing Datalogger (PS-2002)
  (or alternate PASPORT interface -- see other options)

Other Materials

• Balance (SE-8756A)
• Test tube, large
• Graduated cylinder, 100-mL
• Test tube rack
• Steel wool or sand paper
• Copper wire
• 0.2 M silver nitrate, AgNO₃

Lab Manual:

This activity is included in Explorations in Chemistry (PS-2808), complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data for a total of 25 probeware-based labs. For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware necessary for the activities in the manual. For more information on these resources and bundles, click here.