IB HL Chemistry Lab Suggestions

[rocketboy]

Hey everyone,

I have a chemistry lab that I have to set up for monday, and it is very open-ended, meaning we (the "scientists") design and perform our own lab according to some general guidlines. So I was hoping that by posting this here I would get some expert suggestions.

"You will be provided with a group of metals and corresponding solutions containing the ions of these metals. Design, implement, and analyze an experiment that will tell you something about the oxidizing or reducing characteristics of five of the metals and /or the provided solutions. Access to appropriate laboratory solutions will be provided.

Metals: Cu, Mg, Zn, Pb, Al, Fe, Ni
Solutions: Cu2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, Al3+, Fe2+, Ni2+"

My friend and I were thinking of creating something along the lines of a battery from the materials, and measuring the voltage which would indicate that electrons are changing place. We also thought a simpler approach would be to just take the mass of the materials before and after the reactions and analyze those.

What would you suggest? I really need to do well on this, I want to impress my teacher, I want him to say "WOW that is amazing work you have done!".

Thanks everyone!
-Jonathan

 

[GCT]

you could compare the oxidizing/reducing potentials by setting up a galvanic cell; that's what your teacher seems to be asking for. Carrying out the experiment efficiently and accurately will surely impress your teacher; as far as the "WOW" factor goes, you'll need more theory. In fact, statistical measures and other topics covered in a college quantitative analysis would be appropriate, but it's above your level.