| Today our lab was based on atoms. We learned about how atoms are the smallest unit of an element, and has subatomic particles within them. (subatomic particles are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons). Protons have a positive charge, an electron has a negative charge, and a neutron has a neutral charge. We decided to make a chemical reaction that inflated a balloon. When we put the balloon on top of the volumetric flask, it was supposed to fill the balloon with hydrogen because the hydrogen tries to escape from the magnesium and citric acid. When you tie the balloon off and let it go, it's supposed to float. We took magnesium, put it into a volumetric flask, added citric acid, and water. The water and citric acid reacting with the magnesium. The solution started bubbling and moving. The mixture then started filling the balloon up, bigger and bigger. We realized that when we touched the bottom of the volumetric flask , it was warm. We assumed that it got warm because of the reaction that was happening inside. After everyone tied their balloon off, we then taped each one to the end of a meter ruler, and put the balloons on top of fire. The fire then popped the balloon. It was really cool to do this lab because it was neat to understand a little bit about atoms. I got significant notes, and learned a little bit about the periodic table, and what all the numbers and symbols stand for. I know understand the significance of chemical reactions and a basic understanding of how elements on the period table work. |