Elements and their properties

Task:
Examine the properties of few elements given below the table

Materials required:
Test tubes, test tube stand, china dish pair of tongs, universal indicator, spatula, Bunsen burner,
deflagrating spoon, knife
Elements- copper, zinc, iron, sodium, magnesium, universal indicator, distilled water

Hazards: Magnesium, sodium when heated release large of amount of energy. Hydrogen burns
in explosive way

Procedure: Put small pieces of different elements in china dish. Look at these elements and
describe their outer appearance in writing.
The Reaction of Metals with cold water

All you need is a selection of metals, water, universal indicator, rack of test tubes and a
splint.
The experiment is extremely easy to do, simply add small similar sized portions of the
metal to a few cm3 of cold water containing a few drops of universal indicator.
Before adding the metal the indicator should give a green colour indicating neutral ~pH
7.
Keep an eye on all of them at the same time and note any changes and the relative rate of
evolution of gas bubbles.
Caution

Element Reaction with cold water Universal Indicator

Copper wire

Sodium metal

Iron fillings

Magnesium

zinc

Sodium is extremely dangerous and explosive, only teacher perform this

experiment with a tiny piece of sodium

Table of possible observations

Conclusion and comments:

 Reactions of Hydrochloric acid:

All you need is a selection of metals, dilute hydrochloric acids, rack of test tubes and a
splint.
The experiment is extremely easy to do, simply add similar sized small portions of the
metal to a few cm3 of cold dilute hydrochloric acid.
Element

Copper wire

Sodium metal

Iron fillings

Magnesium

zinc

Keep an eye on all of them at the same time and note any changes and the relative rate of
evolution of gas bubbles.

Table of possible observations

Conclusion and comments:

Reaction with Oxygen:

Directions:

1. Hold the piece of elements in a pair of tongs.

2. Take the lighter and hold the metals in the hottest part of the flame.

Note: sodium should be performed in the deflagrating spoon

Element

Copper wire

Sodium metal

Iron fillings

Magnesium

zinc

3. It will soon catch fire and emit a very bright light.

4. CAUTION DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE BRIGHT LIGHT. Briefly gaze

at the light out of the corner of your eye.

Table of possible observations

Conclusion and comments: