Introducing compounds
Setting the scene
When elements react they can form compounds. Compounds will have different
properties from the elements they are made from. For example, iron and sulfur
react together to form iron sulfide.
Aims
In this practical you will:
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make observations about the elements iron and sulfur
compare these with observations you make about iron sulfide.
You will be working scientifically to:
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make and record observations
present observations using tables
interpret observations to identify patterns.
Safety
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Wear eye protection throughout the practical.
Do not use electrical apparatus near water.
Equipment and materials
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battery pack
wires
light bulb
crocodile clips
3 watch glasses
bar magnet
test tubes
test-tube rack
iron filings
sulfur (roll)
iron sulfide
spatulas
© Oxford University Press 2014 http://www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements
This resource sheet may have been changed from the original.
Method
1 Place a small amount of iron, sulfur, and iron sulfide onto three separate, clean watch
glasses.
2 Use the following circuit to test if each substance is able to conduct electricity.
3 Record your results in a suitable table.
4 Place a small amount of the substances into three clean test tubes (one substance per
test tube). Run a bar magnet along the sides of the test tube to see if any of the
substances are attracted to the magnet.
5 Record your results.
6 Record your observations of the appearances of each of the three substances.
Results
Your results table will contain your observations on the colour, state of the
substance, whether the substance can conduct electricity or not, and whether the
substance is magnetic or not.
© Oxford University Press 2014 http://www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements
This resource sheet may have been changed from the original.
Questions
1 Describe what has happened to the iron and sulfur to become iron sulfide.
2 Describe how the properties of iron sulfide are different from the properties of iron
and sulfur.
3 Explain what these changes in properties tell you.
Extension
If your teacher had made iron sulfide by reacting 5.6 g of iron and 3.2 g of sulfur,
how much iron sulfide do you think will have been formed? Explain your answer.
© Oxford University Press 2014 http://www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements
This resource sheet may have been changed from the original.