Chemistry: Day 3 Iron Oxide Lab

What happens when iron is exposed to oxygen? Big Question: What happens when iron is exposed to oxygen?

Materials: Steel Wool (iron) Container & Lid Vinegar Thermometer

Place the thermometer in the empty container for one minute. Step 1: Place the thermometer in the empty container for one minute. Record the temperature in your notebook.

Place a piece of steel wool in the container and pour vinegar on it. Step 2: Place a piece of steel wool in the container and pour vinegar on it. Wait one minute.

Return the steel wool to the container. Step 3: Remove the steel wool from the vinegar, pour the vinegar into the sink and squeeze the steel wool into the sink. Return the steel wool to the container.

Step 4: Place the thermometer directly into the steel wool (wrap the steel wool around the thermometer) and place the lid on the container.

Wait 5 minutes, record the temperature that the thermometer shows. Step 5: Wait 5 minutes, record the temperature that the thermometer shows.

Observe what other changes that have occurred in the container. Step 6: Observe what other changes that have occurred in the container.

1.) Is the reaction a physical or chemical reaction? How do you know? Targeted Questions: 1.) Is the reaction a physical or chemical reaction? How do you know?

2.) Is the reaction exothermic or endothermic? How do you know? Targeted Questions: 2.) Is the reaction exothermic or endothermic? How do you know?

3.) What is the new substance created? Targeted Questions: 3.) What is the new substance created?

What two elements were present in the jar? Targeted Question: What two elements were present in the jar?

Iron + Oxygen = Iron Oxide Iron = Fe Oxygen = O (O2 in the air) Iron Oxide (Fe2O3)