A series of descriptive inorganic experiments examine the periodic properties of transition metals.  This lab differs from �traditional� experiments because it challenges students to make predictions to match their observations.  The metal ions surveyed are those of Y, La, Ce, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn.  There are eighteen tests run on each metal ion.  This reaction series illustrates how transition metal chemistry changes periodically and varies with oxidation state.  Students submit a three-part lab report.  The first part is an observation list, followed by the chemical equations for all reactions.  Finally and most importantly, each student relates his or her observations/equations to periodicity.  In the last section, the students compare how the chemical properties vary across the transition series.  Since the students do not know which ions will react, this experiment introduces students to chemical research.

Comparision of the transition metals through descriptive inorganic chemistry experiments

244th National Meeting (2012)

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