Determining the Formula of Copper Iodine: An AP Chem Lab Report

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the formulation of a lab report concerning the reaction between copper and iodine, specifically investigating whether the product is CuI or CuI2. The focus includes writing style, procedural clarity, and observational details related to the experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests feedback on their lab report, emphasizing the need for passive voice and third-person perspective.
  • Another participant suggests reordering the introduction for clarity and recommends using descriptive language for observations in the procedure.
  • A participant mentions the observation of iodine turning into purple smoke during the reaction.
  • Another participant challenges the validity of the observation, questioning whether it was actually seen or just assumed, and emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting based on direct experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the observations made during the experiment, particularly regarding the appearance of iodine during the reaction. There is no consensus on the accuracy of the reported observations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the clarity of the procedural steps and the need for more detailed descriptions of the reactions observed. The discussion highlights the importance of firsthand experience in reporting experimental results.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing lab reports in chemistry, particularly those focusing on reaction observations and scientific writing conventions.

gigi9
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Some one please check my lab report for me if it sound right (this is the first two section of my lab report). It had to be in third person pt of view, and written in passive voice. Plz give me any suggestions, or background of Cu and I, or wording of the intro. and procedure. They CANNOT be short...Thanks a lot for ur time.

Finding the Formula of a Copper Iodine
Introduction:
As the title directed, copper and iodine was used in this lab. The reaction was observed as the two elements reacted. Copper could have a charge of one or two. Iodine was a very active element. In addition, iodine was a diatomic element. Therefore, the reaction was to help determining whether the product was CuI or CuI2.
Procedure:
First of all, the copper was cleaned using the steal wool. After that, it was weighed. Next, a little amount of iodine was sprinkled on the copper. Then, the compound was warmed gently over the flame until all iodine was gone. After that, the copper and product was weighed. The Copper was, again, cleaned under the water. Lastly, the dry copper was reweighed
 
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For your introduction I'd put the last sentence first:

The purpose of this experiment is to determine if the reaction of copper and iodine produces CuI or CuI2.

It helps in scientific writing to be as up front and forward as possible.

In your procedure, the sequence of sentences will tell the reader the sequence of steps. "Firstly" "secondly" "lastly" "next" "then" "afterwards" etc. aren't really necessary. As long as the sentences are complete they're fine. And watch those pronouns- say "copper" instead of "it".

In your introduction you state that you see the reaction occurring. Describe this in your procedure: e.g. it was noticed that the color of the copper changed from golden brown to black, there were bright blue sparks, this abomination onto the lord produced noxious fumes that verily smote three adjacent students, etc. With observations it helps to be descriptive.

best of luck.
 
I thought that the iodine turns into purple smoke during the reaction.
 
Originally posted by gigi9
I thought that the iodine turns into purple smoke during the reaction.

You thought? Did you see it? If so, put it in the report. If you didn't see it then don't put it in the report. If you didn't do the experiment, don't do the report.
 

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