Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Bicarbonate , Lab Reports of Chemistry

Download Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Bicarbonate and more Lab Reports Chemistry in PDF only on Docsity! Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Bicarbonate Your Task: There are at least four different balanced chemical equations that could explain how atoms are rearranged during the thermal decomposition of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). The first potential explanation is that the sodium bicarbonate decomposes into sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and carbon dioxide (CO2) when it is heated. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is NaHCO3 (s)  NaOH (s) + CO2 (g) The second potential explanation is that the sodium bicarbonate decomposes into sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water when it is heated. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is 2NaHCO3 (s)  Na2CO3 (s) + CO2 (g) + H2O (g) The third potential explanation is that the sodium bicarbonate decomposes into sodium oxide (Na2O), carbon dioxide, and water when it is heated. The balanced chemical equation for this potential reaction is 2NaHCO3 (s)  Na2O (s) + 2CO2 (g) + H2O (g) The fourth potential explanation is that the sodium bicarbonate decomposes into sodium hydride (NaH), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxygen when it is heated. The balanced chemical equation for this potential reaction is NaHCO3 (s)  NaH (s) + CO (g) + O2 (g) Your goal is to determine which of these four balanced chemical equations best represents how atoms are rearranged during the thermal decomposition of sodium bicarbonate. Guiding Question—What is the correct balanced equation for the thermal decomposition of sodium bicarbonate? Materials You may use any of the following materials during your investigation: Consumable Equipment Solid NaHCO3 portable burner flint sparker glass stirring rod test tube test tube clamp electronic scale weighing boat scooper/spatula wood splints Safety Precautions Follow all normal lab safety rules. In addition, take the following safety precautions: • Wear your safety goggles at all times while in the lab • Use caution when working with Bunsen burners. They can easily burn skin, and combustibles and flammables must be kept away from the open flame. If you have long hair, tie it back behind your head. • Inspect your test tube for cracks. If it is cracked, exchange it for a new one. • Be careful with the test tube after removing it from a flame since it may still be hot. • Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the lab.