MHS Chemistry
Gas Producing Challenge

The purpose of this activity is to determine what masses of zinc and magnesium produce equivalent volumes of hydrogen gas when combined with hydrochloric acid. You will report your final results as a ratio. Keep in mind:

  1. These reactions involve acid!  So you must wear your goggles.
  2. You can - and should - share data with everyone in the class.
  3. You should keep precise data for every trial you perform. If you decide the data set for a trial is “no good” you should report it, but label it “discarded.”
  4. Before you start, examine the equipment available. This should aid in your planning and dividing of tasks.
  5. The reactions are:
    Mg(s) + HCl(aq) ® MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
    Zn(s) + HCl(aq) ® ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)

ANALYSIS
Each student will pass in their own lab. Each lab should include the following numbered sections:

  1. Title Section
  2. Data Table - clear, beautiful, correct, sorted, and inspiring
  3. Balance the reactions:
    _____Mg(s) + _____HCl(aq) ® _____MgCl2(aq) + _____H2(g)
    _____Zn(s) + _____HCl(aq) ® _____ZnCl2(aq) + _____H2(g)
  4. In the reaction of magnesium with HCl, which element is reduced?  Explain how you know.
  5. “Magnesium and zinc produce the same volume of gas in a _____ to _____ mass ratio.”  (The smaller number in this ratio should be a "1")
  6. Your explanation, in complete sentences, of your answer and reasoning #5.
EXPECTATIONS ADDRESSED
ACADEMIC
1. A Middletown High School graduate will effectively utilize literacy skills: reading analysis and interpretation, writing, listening, and speaking.
2. A Middletown High School graduate will acquire, analyze, and evaluate information and ideas to solve problems effectively.
CIVIC
2.

A Middletown High School graduate will demonstrate a personal sense of ethics that will include honesty, integrity, and self-control.

SOCIAL
1. A Middletown High School graduate will demonstrate responsibility for his or her own actions, behaviors, and academic success.
2. A Middletown High School graduate will work cooperatively to achieve group goals and to resolve issues.


A Final Note:
Get all of the jokes about a “gas producing challenge” out of your system (ha ha) before you write the lab.

[Relative Masses score sheet][MHS Chemistry page]