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The objective of this experiment was to determine the molecular mass of butane (C4H10) using the ideal gas law (PV = nRT). Butane gas was chosen due to its behavior as an ideal gas under standard temperature and pressure conditions. The experiment involved collecting and testing butane gas using various equipment and measurements. Through calculations, the molecular mass of butane was determined.
The molecular mass of a substance is a critical property in chemistry. In this experiment, we aimed to find the molecular mass of butane by applying the ideal gas law, which relates the pressure (P), volume (V), number of moles (n), and temperature (T) of a gas.
The ideal gas law is expressed as PV = nRT, where R is the ideal gas constant.
The materials used in the experiment included matches, a funnel, a bucket, a graduated cylinder, a thermometer, a lighter, a scale, and a wooden flint. These materials were essential for collecting and testing the butane gas under controlled conditions.
Using the ideal gas law, PV = nRT, the following calculations were made to determine the molecular mass of butane:
Here, R = 0.082 L·atm/(mol·K) and T = 295 K.
The experimental percent error was calculated to be 85%, and the percent yield was determined to be 185%. To enhance the accuracy of this lab, it is advisable to measure the mass of the lighter with greater precision, recording measurements to at least three decimal places. Additionally, while conducting the experiment, precautions should be taken to ensure there are no air bubbles in the cylinder when immersing the lighter. Lastly, when measuring the lighter, it is essential to ensure it is completely dry to prevent any discrepancies in the mass measurements.
Future experiments can focus on refining the techniques used in this experiment to reduce errors. Exploring different methods of gas collection and measurement may lead to more accurate results. Additionally, investigating the properties of other gases and their molecular masses can provide valuable insights into the behavior of ideal gases.
Lab Report: Determining the Molecular Mass of Butane. (2016, Sep 18). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/lab-report-butane
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