Coupled Reactions
Coupled Reactions
ABSTRACT
A way to drive a non-spontaneous reaction forward is by coupling it with another reaction that is highly spontaneous, resulting to a spontaneous overall reaction. In this study, since the extraction of C(s) from CO2(s) is a non-spontaneous process, it was coupled with the oxide formation reaction of Mg, a reaction with high spontaneity, so that the process of the extraction of C(s) would proceed. The reactions and products which were a mix of black and white particles were keenly observed. The resulting overall reaction of the coupled reactions shows that the products are MgO(s) and C(s).
METHODOLOGY
Preparation of the dry ice chamber
As a note, proper cryogenic gloves and a face mask should be worn. The first step is to gouge a hole, 3-4 cm in diameter, in the middle of the 2 slabs of dry ice, and 4 canals from the hole to the center of the four edges. After this, polish both slabs’ surface until they fit perfectly together.
Reaction between Mg and CO2
Place the dry ice on a towel and fill the cavity of one slab with 2g Mg ribbon. Then, light the Mg using a barbecue lighter. When it starts burning, quickly place the other slab on top. After that, step back, turn the lights off, and observe the reactions. Do not stare directly at the setup and inhale the produced vapor. When the glowing has stopped, remove the top slab and observe the products formed. If a white ball is attained, crack the ice open to observe the materials inside.
Proper waste disposal
Wrap all solid particles in a piece of paper and put them in the solid waste jar. Also, let the dry ice sublimate in an area with good ventilation.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
Manual:
1. It took a long time to light the Mg ribbons because in order for it to burn, the Mg ribbons need a certain amount of energy (or activation energy) given off by the
ABSTRACT
A way to drive a non-spontaneous reaction forward is by coupling it with another reaction that is highly spontaneous, resulting to a spontaneous overall reaction. In this study, since the extraction of C(s) from CO2(s) is a non-spontaneous process, it was coupled with the oxide formation reaction of Mg, a reaction with high spontaneity, so that the process of the extraction of C(s) would proceed. The reactions and products which were a mix of black and white particles were keenly observed. The resulting overall reaction of the coupled reactions shows that the products are MgO(s) and C(s).
METHODOLOGY
Preparation of the dry ice chamber
As a note, proper cryogenic gloves and a face mask should be worn. The first step is to gouge a hole, 3-4 cm in diameter, in the middle of the 2 slabs of dry ice, and 4 canals from the hole to the center of the four edges. After this, polish both slabs’ surface until they fit perfectly together.
Reaction between Mg and CO2
Place the dry ice on a towel and fill the cavity of one slab with 2g Mg ribbon. Then, light the Mg using a barbecue lighter. When it starts burning, quickly place the other slab on top. After that, step back, turn the lights off, and observe the reactions. Do not stare directly at the setup and inhale the produced vapor. When the glowing has stopped, remove the top slab and observe the products formed. If a white ball is attained, crack the ice open to observe the materials inside.
Proper waste disposal
Wrap all solid particles in a piece of paper and put them in the solid waste jar. Also, let the dry ice sublimate in an area with good ventilation.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
Manual:
1. It took a long time to light the Mg ribbons because in order for it to burn, the Mg ribbons need a certain amount of energy (or activation energy) given off by the
References: Petrucci R., et al. General Chemistry Principles and Modern Applications, 10th Ed. Pearson Canada Inc., 2011. Boudreaux, Kevin. http://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/index.htm (accessed Nov. 22, 2012) Ophardt, Charles. UC Davis Chemwiki. http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/VVV_Demos/Burning_Magnesium (accessed Nov. 21, 2012).