% Composition of Hydrates Lab

Quick Lab - Percent Composition

Purpose - To measure the percent water in hydrates

Materials - Test tubes, Tongs, Bunsen Burner

Procedure -

1. Pour each hydrate into a test tube and then label them and record the mass

2. Heat the hydrates over the burner at a 45 degree angle while looking for condensation

3. As you see the water condense, heat the entire length of the tube until all the water is driven from the hydrate

4. Allow the test tube to cool and record the mass of the hydrate.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the next 2 hydrates

Data -

Compound	Observations	Starting Mass (g)	Heated Mass (g)	Water Lost (g)	Percent Water
Calcium Chloride	Melted a bit	7.97g	7.91g	.06g	13.63%
Copper II Sulfate	Crystallized and turned white	8.31g	8.09g	.22g	28.20%
Sodium Sulfate	Popped and bubbled all over	8.02g	7.74g	.26g	57.14%

Conclusion -

Hydrates with a higher percent of water are more reactive to heat