MHS AP Chemistry
Identifying Unknowns

Purpose:  To determine the identity of an unknown liquid and an unknown solid using their physical properties.

Procedure:  This is essentially Experiment 2 in our class Lab Book, broken down to save time.  Each group will measure one of the properties of one of the unknowns, and share results freely with the other groups.  If there are more properties to meaure than there are groups, the first to finish will move on to the next property, and so on.  To determine the identity of the unknowns, each group should use the class's data and the Lab 2 Chooser Tool.

Analysis: Each group will write a one-page report summarizing the class's measurements and their own conclusions.  Be sure to compare the properties of each unknown with the identified compound(s).

SLEs:
A1 - A Middletown High School graduate will effectively utilize literacy skills; reading analysis and interpretation, writing, listening, and speaking.
A2 - A Middletown High School graduate will acquire, analyze, and evaluate information and ideas to effectively solve problems.
A3 - A Middletown High School graduate will demonstrate technological literacy.
C2 - A Middletown High School graduate will demonstrate a personal sense of ethics that will include honesty, integrity, and self-control.
S1 - A Middletown High School graduate will demonstrate responsibility for his or her own actions, behaviors, and academic success.
S2 - A Middletown High School graduate will work cooperatively to achieve group goals and resolve issues.

GSEs:
1.1.a - Students demonstrate an understanding of the structure of matter by... utililizing appropriate data (related to chemical and physical properties), to distinguish one substance from another or identify an unknown substance.

[Return to AP Chemistry Page]