REVISED 12/2003
ACTIVITY SERIES LAB (MICROSCALE)
Purpose: to study the chemical activity of common metals
Safety Precautions
Wear goggles at all times. Review precautions for handling acids. Since silver nitrate
may stain skin and clothing, avoid contact.
Procedure (Part I):
1. Sketch out a matrix to record your data. Along the top of the matrix, you should list
the six reagents you will be using in this part of the experiment: KNO3, Mg(NO3)2,
Zn(NO3)2, CuSO4, AgNO3, and distilled water. Along the side of the matrix, you
should list the five metals used in this part of the experiment: copper, iron,
magnesium, tin, and zinc.
2. Obtain a spot plate. In each of 6 wells put a small piece of copper. Add reagents
according to the instructions below:
Well 1: add 5 drops of KNO3
Well 2: add 5 drops of Mg(NO3)2
Well 3: add 5 drops of Zn(NO3)2
Well 4: add 5 drops of CuSO4
Well 5: add 5 drops of AgNO3
Well 6: add 5 drops of distilled water
3. Observe the wells for a few minutes. Record your observations.
4. Discard the contents of the wells in the waste beaker, making sure to return any
unreacted metal.
5. Repeat step one using each of the following metals: magnesium, zinc, and tin.
Procedure (Part II):
1. Sketch out a matrix for this section of the experiment. There is one reagent (HCl)
and five metals to be tested (copper, iron, magnesium, tin, and zinc).
2. To each of 5 wells, place one of the following metals: magnesium, zinc, tin, iron, and
copper. To each of the wells, carefully add 5 drops of HCl. Observe the metals for
several minutes and record your observations.
3. Discard the contents of the wells in the waste beaker and return any unreacted
metal.
(over)
