Order of Reactions

Today we’re finally going to get to play with some chemicals! WOO!
Although this does mean that a risk assessment needs to be completed and that we’ll need to learn a bit about the chemicals first.

Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO)

This chemical does come in a few different colours and looks and behaves similar to water, however you must not drink it and wash your hands if you come into contact with it. Dihydrogen monoxide: (https://www.dhmo.org/truth/Dihydrogen-Monoxide.html)

  • is also known as hydric acid, and is the major component of acid rain.
  • contributes to the Greenhouse Effect.
  • may cause severe burns.
  • contributes to the erosion of our natural landscape.
  • accelerates corrosion and rusting of many metals.
  • may cause electrical failures and decreased effectiveness of automobile brakes.
  • has been found in excised tumors of terminal cancer patients.

Equipment

  • 3 Beakers with Blue, Yellow, Red DHMO
  • 6 Test tubes
  • 1 Measuring Cylinder, 50ml
  • 1 Measuring Cyinder, 10ml
  • 1 Marker texta
  • 1 Test tube rack (under benches)

Method (EXACTLY follow step by step)

  1. Label your 6 test tubes from A-F and place in test tube rack
  2. Measure 17mL of RED DHMO from the beaker and pour into test tube A
  3. Measure 21mL of Yellow DHMO from the beaker and pour into test tube C
  4. Measure 22mL of Blue DHMO from the beaker and pour into test tube E
  5. Measure 5mL of DHMO from test tube A and pour into test tube B
  6. Measure 6mL of DHMO from test tube C and pour into test tube D
  7. Measure 8mL of DHMO from test tube E and pour into test tube F
  8. Measure 5mL of DHMO from test tube C and pour into test tube B
  9. Measure 4mL of DHMO from test tube E and pour into test tube D
  10. Measure 6mL of DHMO from test tube A and pour into test tube F
  11. Measure how much DHMO is in each test tube using the measuring cylinder

Discussion

  1. What happened if you correctly followed the steps in order?

  2. What would have happened if you skipped a step or performed them incorrectly?

  3. Why is it important to follow a method exactly as it is written in science?

  4. Think about more complex reactions involving multiple steps and multiple chemicals.
    List 2 things that could go wrong if you don’t follow the steps properly

  5. Why is it important to be careful using equipment when performing tests?