HandsOn 24 - Diffusion Chamber
Now carry out the diffusion experiment described below and compare the outcomes with the theory so far developed.
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This experiment works best when carried out by three people. One
person acts as timekeeper/data collector, while the other two handle
the apparatus and read the measurements from the glass tube during
the experiment. Materials for each group of three students:
2. Prepare the solutions by first labeling the graduated cylinders and the
vials as containing HCl or NH3OH solutions (one for each container).
Pour 3.5 mL of HCl from the stock solution into a10 ml labeled graduated cylinder
and immediately cover this with parafilm. Repeat this procedure with the NH3OH
and set aside. Pour the HCl solution from the graduated cylinder into the
vial labeled HCl and immediately cap to minimize the loss of vapor. Repeat
this with NH3OH. Each of the vials should be almost full of solution.
Set everything else aside, except for the two labeled vials and the 20 mm
bent glass tube.
3. Carry out the experiment. Start by completely loosening the caps on the
vials but do not remove them. The goal in what follows is to insert the ends
of the tubes in the vials as smoothly as possible, without jolts. One person
holds each end of the tube and simultaneously they remove the caps from the
vials and smoothly place the two ends of the tubing into the vials so that
the tubes dip below the level of the liquid at each end. Then fold the parafilm
around the mouth of each vial to create an airtight seal. As the tubes enter
the vials, the timekeeper begins timing the experiment, thereafter calling
out ten second intervals.
4. Look for a precipitation disk composed of solid ammonium chloride
NH4Cl, in the form of dust, due to the reaction of
the NH3OH and HCl vapors. You may have to wait up to
a minute before the appearance of this disk. The initial position
of the disk and the time of its appearance are your major experimental
results. You may be interested in continuing to time for 6-10
minutes as you record the position of the precipitation disk while
it moves along the tube. In which direction does this move: toward
the HCl end or toward the NH3 end? Later you can try
to explain this effect.
5. Before moving the tube and vials, examine each end of the immersed
tube and record the position of the liquid level inside the tube.
This is the zero point from which you will measure the distance
to the initial position of the disk.
6. Compare the location of the initial position of the disk (the
ratio of distances from each end) with that predicted by the theory
so far developed in this unit. Compare the time of appearance
of the disk with that predicted by the theory.
7. Now prepare to carry out the experiment once more, this time
with a tube of length 30 centimeters. Predict what results
you expect for the location of the first appearance of the disk
and the time for this first appearance. Carry out the experiment
and compare your results to your predictions.