Magnesium Oxide Empirical Formula Lab Report

413 Words2 Pages
The purpose of the experiment was to confirm the empirical formula of magnesium oxide. It was determined and confirmed that the empirical formula is MgO. In a combustion reaction, 0.0916g of magnesium was reacted with atmospheric oxygen to produce .1523g of oxide of magnesium. Cautionary measures were taken to convert magnesium nitride, a side-reaction, to oxide of magnesium using 10 drops of water. The difference between the mass of the compound and the mass of magnesium tells the mass of oxygen that participated in the reaction. The mass of oxygen was .0607g, assuming that all the magnesium reacted, all magnesium nitride was converted, and all the water that was used for the conversion was completely evaporated from the product. After the process of evaporation the magnesium oxide appeared light and fluffy, suggesting that there was no water remaining. The molar ratio computed to be very close to 1:1. The determined ratio was 1:1.01, Mg:O. Even though the ratio does round to the accepted 1:1 relationship, error likely occurred, and was contributed through loss of product during combustion. While heating, it was difficult to detect smoke. This would lower the calculated mass of oxygen, and its ratio number, while increasing the ratio number for magnesium. Secondly, upon inspection of the contents in the crucible, not all of the contents appeared white, suggesting that possibly not all the magnesium reacted. This scenario would increase the calculated mass for oxygen in addition to its molar ratio. Together the two scenarios may have occurred and offset each other. In order to minimize product loss, the procedure could be altered so that the combustion process is started with the lid completely covering instead of set slightly ajar. This would allow the magnesium to react with the air inside the crucible. Every 60 seconds or so the lid could be lifted then replaced

More about Magnesium Oxide Empirical Formula Lab Report

Open Document