Prediction and Examination of Forces Between Particles
This is an exercise in observing and interpreting the behaviour of particles in an effort to better understand the forces
between them. The forces between particles may affect the solubility and conductivity of test substances in different
solvents and the particles may be deflected by a static electric field.
Chemicals
1. benzoic acid, C H COOH 6. propanone (acetone), C H O
6 5 3 6
2. canola oil 7. sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), NaHCO
3
3. ethanoic acid (vinegar), CH COOH 8. sodium chloride, NaCl
3
4. ethanol, CH CH OH 9. sucrose, C H O
3 2 12 22 11
5. hydrochloric acid, HCl 10. zinc oxide, ZnO
Purpose
" Each of the substances above has been assigned a letter.
" The identity of each substance will be identified by a series of tests.
Procedure
Physical properties
" Observe and describe the physical properties of each unknown in its  raw state.
Solubility
" Slowly add some of an unknown to a standard amount of tap water
" Observe the results.
" Combine pairs of  insoluble unknowns and observe the results.
Conductivity Test
" Place a conductivity apparatus in each solution and arrange the solutions in order of increasing
conductivity (brightness).
Post Lab
Predict behaviour of each substance
" Draw the structure of each substance
" Determine the intermolecular bonding of each substance
" Identify whether each substance is soluble in water
" Predict the order of conductivity of the substances
Research the properties of each substance
Conclusion ad Evaluation
Deduce the identity of each substance (indicate probable and possible identities)
Evaluate the experiment and suggest ways to improve the exploration.