Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound that is found in many natural substances, including eggshells. In this lab, we will determine how much calcium carbonate is present in an eggshell.
To begin the lab, we will need to gather the following materials:
- 1 egg
- Scale
- Graduated cylinder
- Vinegar
- Glass jar or beaker
- Stirring rod
- Filter paper
- Filter funnel
- Collection container
- Sodium hydroxide solution
First, we will weigh the egg using the scale and record the weight. Then, we will carefully crack the egg and remove the eggshell, being careful not to break or damage it. Next, we will place the eggshell in the glass jar or beaker and add enough vinegar to completely cover the eggshell. We will allow the eggshell to soak in the vinegar for at least 24 hours, stirring it occasionally.
After the eggshell has soaked in the vinegar for 24 hours, we will remove it from the jar and rinse it thoroughly with water. We will then place the eggshell in the graduated cylinder and add enough water to completely cover it. Using the stirring rod, we will gently stir the eggshell and water mixture until the eggshell is completely dissolved.
Next, we will filter the mixture through the filter paper and filter funnel into the collection container. We will then carefully measure the volume of the filtered solution using the graduated cylinder and record this value.
To determine the amount of calcium carbonate in the eggshell, we will add a small amount of sodium hydroxide solution to the filtered solution. The sodium hydroxide will react with the calcium carbonate in the eggshell to form calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide. The calcium hydroxide will be left behind in the solution, and the carbon dioxide will escape as a gas.
We will continue adding sodium hydroxide until the reaction is complete, which we can determine by the absence of any further gas production. At this point, we will measure the final volume of the solution and subtract it from the initial volume to determine the volume of the gas produced.
To calculate the amount of calcium carbonate in the eggshell, we will use the following equation:
Mass of calcium carbonate = (Volume of gas produced * Pressure * Temperature) / (Molar volume of gas * Molar mass of calcium carbonate)
By substituting in the appropriate values for the volume of gas produced, pressure, temperature, molar volume of gas, and molar mass of calcium carbonate, we can calculate the mass of calcium carbonate present in the eggshell.
In conclusion, this lab allows us to determine the amount of calcium carbonate present in an eggshell using a simple chemical reaction and some basic calculations. By performing this lab, we can gain a better understanding of the chemical makeup of eggshells and the role that calcium carbonate plays in their structure.