This is a very simple, but very reliable lab that introduces the mole concept.

Purpose: To understand the meaning of the term "mole" and to enable students to gain a better understanding as to the size of a mole.

Introduction:
In this simple experiment, students will grasp the meaning of a mole much better. Iron filings will react with copper (II) sulfate in a one to one ratio.

Fe + Copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate ---------> Iron (II) sulfate + Copper


The number of moles of iron that reacts will be equal to the number of moles of copper produced. The reaction indicates the 1:1 ratio between the iron and the copper.

Students will observe the reaction as it occurs, and will calculate the number of moles of product formed.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT:
Copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate, Ring stand with ring, Wire Gauze, Iron filings, Bunsen Burner, Distilled water, 100 mL Beaker, Weighing Paper, 250 mL Beaker , 100 mL Graduated cylinder, Balance, Glass Stirring rod, Drying Oven

Your download will include a lab that is ready to be copied and passed out to your students. It will include: Title, Purpose, Introduction, Materials, Safety Precautions, Procedure, Follow Up Questions, and Teacher Preparation Notes. You can have your students write their own lab report or use the included student data pages.

All answers are included.

The download will include both an editable Word document and a pdf form of the lab.

© Amy Brown – Science Stuff