Identifying a Pure Substance
Recommended for grades 9–16.
Introduction
Physical properties of a substance are characteristics that can be observed without altering the identity of the substance. Color, odor, density, melting temperature, boiling temperature, and solubility are examples of physical properties. Physical properties can be used to identify a pure substance.
Objectives
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Temperature Probe and data-collection software as you determine the boiling temperature of 2-propanol.
After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about physical properties of pure substances and how to determine physical properties. You will devise a plan for identifying an unknown from several substances, and then carry out your plan to identify the unknown.
Sensors and Equipment
This investigation requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for the Preliminary Activity
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the Preliminary Activity does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Investigating Chemistry through Inquiry »
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.