Innovating Science® - Determining the Composition of an Unknown Mixture

Often times, the composition of a mixture may contain a variety of unknown components. In some cases, the components of a mixture may be known but the exact amount of those components in the mixture is not. Analytical chemists often have a variety of tools and techniques to analyze unknown substances and arrive at conclusions with regards to the compounds/percentages in the mixture. In this activity, students will determine the percent composition of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate in an unknown sample. The mixture is heated vigorously until the sodium bicarbonate is completely decomposed to sodium carbonate. The only other products of the reaction are carbon dioxide and water. After performing the necessary calculations, students will determine the percentage of sodium bicarbonate that was present in their original sample. Kit contains enough materials for 15 groups. Teacher's Manual and Student Study Guide copymasters are included.

Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)*

Disciplinary Core Ideas: PS1.A; PS1.B
Performance Expectations:MS-PS1-2; MS-PS1-5; HS-PS1-3; HS-PS1-7
Cross Cutting Concepts: Patterns; Energy and Matter
Engineering Practices: Analyzing and Interpreting Data; Developing and Using Models; Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Kit Includes:
200g Sodium Carbonate
200g Sodium Bicarbonate
5 Pre-labeled Bottles (to prepare unknowns)

DOT Info:
Non-regulated

*"Next Generation Science Standards" is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards was involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.