This document provides instructions for a student investigation involving the reaction between nitric acid and magnesium. Safety precautions for handling nitric acid and sulfuric acid are outlined. The student is asked to observe the reaction, identify any gas released, test for the presence of nitrates, record observations, write balanced chemical equations, and answer discussion questions about the reaction, uses of nitrates, and the purpose of using deionized water.

1. Industrial Chemistry
Nitric Acid: Student investigation
Name of the student: ______________________________________
Date received: _________________
Safety Instructions:
Nitric acid is very corrosive. Safety glasses needs to be worn all the time, during conducting the
practical.
When handling Nitric Acid and Sulphuric Acid, gloves must be be worn by the person handling it.
If any acid comes in contact with the skin or/and eye, rinse the area IMMEDIATELY with cold water
and let your supervisor know about it.
Investigating the reaction and products formed between Nitric Acid with

2. Magnesium
Aim: 1. To observe the reaction between Nitric Acid and Magnesium
2. To determine the gas released from the reaction
3. To identify any nitrate, if produced.
Hypothesis:__
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Materials:
1) De-ionised water 7) 1M of Fe(II)SO4 (aq) [Few drops]
2) 1 x medium test tube 8) 2M of H2SO4 (aq) [Few drops]
3) 1 x stopper with tube a 9) 1 M of HNO3 (aq) [30mL]
4) 1 x beaker [250 mL] 10) Electronic balance
5) x 50 mL measuring cylinder 11) Match stick
6) 100 mg of Mg
Methods:
1) Wash test tube with de-ionised water.
2) Put 100 mg of Magnesium into a test tube.
3) Carefully, pour 30 mL of Nitric Acid into the test tube. [You MUST wear gloves]
4) Put the stopper on the test tube.
5) Carry out a pop- test, when you can see gas evolving.
6) Observe and record the reaction.
7) Allow the Magnesium to react completely.
8) After all the Magnesium reacted, slowly add few drops of Iron (II) Sulphate.
9) Then, very carefully trying not to disturb the solution, tilt the test tube slightly. Add few
drops of Sulphuric Acid.
10) Record your reaction.
Diagram:
Results:

3. Observations:
TEST OBSERVATIONS
Hydrogen Test
(Pop Test)
Nitrate Test
(Brown Ring Test)
Write balanced equations (symbolic) for all the chemical changes involved:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Discussion
1) Comment on the way Nitric Acid reacted.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
2) Did the reaction go as you expected. Explain.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
3) List some uses of nitrates
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4) Why do you think de-ionised water was used instead of other forms?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion
Write a suitable conclusion

4. ________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________