Intro:
Today, our lab was based on learning about atoms. Atoms are the smallest unit of an element. They are structured out of protons, electrons, and neutrons. Protons are positive and reside within the atom. Electrons are negative and orbit around the nucleus which is in the middle of the atom, and neutrons are neutral/ in the nucleus of the atom.
What Happened/Observations:
So in this experiment, we took magnesium and added it into a volumetric flask, along with citric acid and water and observed as the solution bubbled up. We also added an uninflated balloon on top of the flask. As the solution continued to bubble, the balloon slowly began to inflate. This was because the solution we made was turning into a gas called hydrogen. Hydrogen is very light, so when the balloon was inflated and tied off, it started to float. While we played around with the balloon we also found that if you blow on it, it goes down and if you let it go for too long, it floats to the roof.
Reflection/Take Away:
In all, this experiment was very fun. I learned about atoms and how they function. Also, the experiment was educational and interactive. I liked making the solution and seeing it inflate the balloon slowly. I also obtained some valuable notes from this experiment. Now I understand the periodic table more than before, and know more about atoms. This lab helped me understand more about the basics of atoms. I remember the last time I learned about atoms and the periodic table was in 8th grade so it was nice to have my memory refreshed. For example, we learned about where the neutrons, protons, and electrons are and how to understand the elements of the periodic table. So we didn't just inflate and explode balloons, we also got some very valuable information about atoms and how they work.
Today, our lab was based on learning about atoms. Atoms are the smallest unit of an element. They are structured out of protons, electrons, and neutrons. Protons are positive and reside within the atom. Electrons are negative and orbit around the nucleus which is in the middle of the atom, and neutrons are neutral/ in the nucleus of the atom.
What Happened/Observations:
So in this experiment, we took magnesium and added it into a volumetric flask, along with citric acid and water and observed as the solution bubbled up. We also added an uninflated balloon on top of the flask. As the solution continued to bubble, the balloon slowly began to inflate. This was because the solution we made was turning into a gas called hydrogen. Hydrogen is very light, so when the balloon was inflated and tied off, it started to float. While we played around with the balloon we also found that if you blow on it, it goes down and if you let it go for too long, it floats to the roof.
Reflection/Take Away:
In all, this experiment was very fun. I learned about atoms and how they function. Also, the experiment was educational and interactive. I liked making the solution and seeing it inflate the balloon slowly. I also obtained some valuable notes from this experiment. Now I understand the periodic table more than before, and know more about atoms. This lab helped me understand more about the basics of atoms. I remember the last time I learned about atoms and the periodic table was in 8th grade so it was nice to have my memory refreshed. For example, we learned about where the neutrons, protons, and electrons are and how to understand the elements of the periodic table. So we didn't just inflate and explode balloons, we also got some very valuable information about atoms and how they work.