Ionic Compounds Lab Report

Introduction:

Problem:
What are some of the properties of ionic compounds?

Summary:
Ionic compounds are everywhere. They can be found just about anywhere on Earth. Even the average human body is mostly made up of nonionic compounds. An ionic compound is a chemical compound that is made up of ions that are held together by ionic bonding, which are electrostatic forces. An example includes sodium fluoride, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, etc. Nonionic compounds are substances that are made up of atoms, held together by covalent bonds. In this experiment, the independent variable make up the test substances, and the dependent variable consists of the observation, melting point, and conductivity.

Hypothesis:
If substances are tested and

Explain what forces must be overcome for a substance to melt. In order for a substance to melt, it will have to overcome the intermolecular bonds that are holding it together, and for it to do that it will have to absorb enough energy.

Describe what is necessary for a substance to be a conductor of electricity.
In order for a substance to be a conductor of electricity it is necessary that the substance consist of electrons that are able to move around in the substance.

Read the entire laboratory activity. Form a hypothesis as to whether distilled water is a conductor of electricity.
Based of this laboratory activity I believe that if distilled water is tested and experimented, then it will show not be a conductor of electricity.

Define and give an example of an electrolyte.
Electrolyte is a chemical compound that conducts electricity by changing into ions when either melted or dissolved into a solution. Sodium Chloride is an example of an electrolyte.
Procedure:

Safety:
Protect your eyes and keep safety goggles on throughout the entire experiment
Use crucible tongs to transfer ALL hot material
Be careful when handling heating

I would describe Sodium Chloride as hard and very brittle.

Sodium chloride and iron (III) chloride are typical ionic compounds, while sugar represents a typical nonionic compound. In general, how do these two types of compounds compare in their melting points?
The ionic compound, sodium chloride and iron(lll) chloride, would have a higher melting point compared to the nonionic compound, sugar, which would have a smaller boiling point compared to the ionic compounds.

In Part C, why was it important to use distilled water instead of tap water for the conductivity measurement?
It is important to use distilled water rather than tap water because, distilled water has no ions, meaning that it is not conductive. Also, tap water consists of water, minerals, dirt and etc. The amount relies on the rate of how fast it goes from tap to tap. So when wanting accurate conductivity measurements you need to make sure that their is accurate and knowledgeable water being used, so that’s why you use distilled water.

Analysis