Decomposition of Sodium Bicarbonate

1. Decomposition of Sodium Bicarbonate Purpose: to decompose a compound and figure out identity of new products. Materials: Sodium Bicarbonate, Lime water Procedure: Obtain a clean test tube and mass it. Fill test tube 1/3 full with sodium bicarbonate and re-mass. Light a Bunsen burner and make a “manly” flame. Using test tube clamp, hold the test tube in the flame @ a 45 degree angle while gently moving it. Part 1

2. Continue to heat for about 5 minutes. Once done allow test tube to cool. Re-mass test tube and record. Clean out your test tube no water! Fill test tube about ¼ full with sodium bicarbonate. Heat the test tube again but this time hold a slide above the opening using tongs. Observe watch glass and record. Part 2

3. Clean out test tube Re-fill test tube ¼ full with sodium bicarbonate and place stopper with tubing on top. In a clean 50ml beaker, put 25ml of Lime water in it. Using a straw, exhale into the beaker and observe. Heat the test tube again. Run the tube into the beaker, with new lime water, and observe When done allow to cool and clean TT. Part 3

4. Data Part 1: Part 2: Observations of slide Part 3: Observations Lime water after blowing into it: Lime water after placing tubing into it:

5. Conclusion lead in questions What did we do and what were we trying to find out? After heating the sodium bicarbonate, what happened to the mass and by how much? Why did that happen? When holding the slide over the test tube what formed on it? Was carbon dioxide released from the sodium bicarbonate? How do you know? What are the three products then of the decomposition of sodium bicarbonate? (the third you will have to think about, it is sodium + a polyatomic that makes sense after the “H” was used for the other products