CHEM 120 Week 4 Lab: Ideal Gas Law and Acids and Bases

CHEM 120 Week 4 Lab: Ideal Gas Law and Acids and Bases

Student Name

Chamberlain University

CHEM-120 Intro to General, Organic & Biological Chemistry

Prof. Name:

Date

OL Lab 7: Ideal Gas Law

Learning Objectives

• Illustrate the concepts of temperature and the theoretical basis for absolute zero.
• Describe how pressure, volume, and temperature interrelate in gases using gas thermometry.
• Demonstrate the application of the Ideal Gas Law.
• Identify common acidic and basic substances in daily life.
• Define and interpret the pH scale for determining acidity or alkalinity.
• Utilize the Bronsted-Lowry model to identify acids and bases in chemical reactions.
• Explain water’s amphoteric properties and its ability to self-ionize.
• Calculate pH values for strong acids and bases in solution.
• Determine the possibility and implications of neutralization reactions.
• Analyze the outcomes of simple acid-base reactions.

Introduction

Did you know the Ideal Gas Law can assist in life-saving situations? In this virtual simulation, participants gain a deep understanding of the physical properties of temperature and absolute zero. The experiment introduces the connections between gas pressure, volume, and temperature, utilizing the principles of gas thermometry.

Explore the Virtual Workbench

The simulation begins with an orientation of the equipment provided for gas law experiments. Participants must familiarize themselves with each instrument, understanding its specific function and relevance in the context of gas thermometry. This foundational step ensures accurate experiment execution.

Conducting Gas Thermometry Experiments

Working with high and low temperatures in this virtual lab poses no physical danger. Participants observe the changes in pressure as gas cools from the boiling point of water to that of liquid nitrogen. By adjusting variables such as the amount of gas used, users can determine the temperature corresponding to absolute zero. The simulation offers the advantage of accelerating time to reach pressure equilibrium, optimizing learning outcomes.

Applying Knowledge in a Real Scenario

At the conclusion of the experiment, learners are tasked with interpreting their data to help paramedics preserve an organ during transit. By identifying the optimal pressure and temperature settings using the Ideal Gas Law, students contribute to maintaining the organ’s viability en route to the hospital.

Acids, Bases, and Real-Life Applications

The Impact of Diet on pH

Have you ever wondered how acidic or alkaline foods influence your blood pH? In this section, you and your virtual assistant, Marie, will assess how certain foods, even those classified as alkaline, can contain acids. Through pH testing and molecular-level exploration, the underlying principles of acid-base chemistry are revealed.

Mixing Acids and Bases

The virtual lab allows learners to combine acids and bases of various strengths to observe the outcomes. Whether the reaction forms salts or water, users can safely repeat experiments and learn from mistakes. In-lab quizzes provide immediate feedback and the theory section supports deeper learning.

Everyday Chemical Hazards

Acids and bases, though potentially corrosive, are integral in biological systems, ecosystems, and industrial processes. Students are challenged to measure the pH of common household and environmental substances, gaining insight into the importance of acid-base balance.

Part I: Ideal Gas Law Simulation

Purpose

The purpose of this simulation was to explore the Ideal Gas Law and understand how temperature, pressure, and volume are interrelated. It also focused on determining absolute zero through practical application and learning the significance of temperature measurement in Kelvin.

Observations

Conceptual Questions

1. What variable changes if the pressure of a gas in a sealed container drops? A decline in pressure typically indicates a decrease in temperature when the gas volume remains constant.

2. Why must temperatures be converted to Kelvin before applying the Ideal Gas Law? Kelvin is necessary because it starts at absolute zero, which is the lowest possible temperature and allows for accurate proportional calculations in the Ideal Gas Law.

3. Why are hospital gas cylinders labeled with warnings against heat or sunlight? Exposure to high temperatures can increase the internal pressure of compressed gas cylinders, posing a risk of explosion or fire, especially with flammable gases.

Part II: Acids and Bases Simulation

Identifying Acids and Bases in Reactions

To determine which compound acts as an acid or base in the reaction H₂S + H₂O ⇌ H₃O⁺ + HS⁻, identify which substance donates a proton (acid) and which accepts it (base). In this case, H₂S donates a proton, making it the acid, while H₂O accepts the proton to form H₃O⁺, making it the base.

Predicting Neutralization Products

Reaction: HCl + RbOH → RbCl + H₂O In this acid-base reaction, HCl (acid) reacts with RbOH (base) to form RbCl (a salt) and H₂O (water). This is a classic example of a neutralization process.

Relationship Between Proton Concentration and pH

An increase in hydrogen ion (H⁺) concentration results in a lower pH value. The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning small changes in H⁺ concentration significantly impact pH levels.

Part III: Reflection and Real-World Connection

This lab exercise introduced critical concepts applicable in real-life healthcare settings. For instance, understanding how buffer solutions work is crucial for nurses when administering IV fluids that help maintain blood pH between 7.35 and 7.45. Similarly, insulin injections often require saline buffers for effective delivery. The experiment also emphasized the importance of safe gas storage in medical environments, where temperature and pressure control are vital. These scenarios demonstrate how foundational knowledge of chemistry directly impacts patient care, safety, and medical procedures.

Grading Rubric

References

Brown, T. L., LeMay, H. E., Bursten, B. E., Murphy, C., & Woodward, P. (2018). Chemistry: The central science (14th ed.). Pearson.

Zumdahl, S. S., & Zumdahl, S. A. (2020). Chemistry (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.

CHEM 120 Week 4 Lab: Ideal Gas Law and Acids and Bases

Atkins, P., & de Paula, J. (2017). Physical chemistry (11th ed.). Oxford University Press.