This experiment is for advanced students. We’re going to look at the strength of redox reactions using copper, zinc, and acids.

[am4show have=’p9;p52;’ guest_error=’Guest error message’ user_error=’User error message’ ]

Materials:

• shiny steel nails or zinc strip
• calcuim chloride
• copper sulfate
• 3 test tubes with stoppers
• distilled water
• distilled vinegar
• safety goggles and gloves

1. Shine up your nails or zinc strip.
2. Create a solution of copper sulfate and water in a test tube and insert the nail and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. To a second test tube, add water and calcium chloride. Insert the shiny nail in to this test tube,
4. To the third test tube, insert distilled white vinegar and add a nail.
5. Look carefully at each test tube and compare your results with the original nail to see if the solution reacted with the nail.

We’re going to get zinc to react with different molecules in solution. You’re looking for a reaction that either changes the color of the nail, the solution, or forms tiny bubbles on the surface of the nail.

For the calcium carbonate, you’ll find tiny bubbles up and down the nail. The calcium ions are reduced and zinc ions are oxidized. For the copper sulfate, the nail changed color dramatically!

[/am4show]

Click here to go to next lesson on Redox and Single Replacement Reactions.