Experiment 2
Gravimetric Determination of Water of Hydration

POSTLAB QUESTIONS

1. Why are crucible tongs used to transfer the cooled crucibles to the balance?

2. How would the observed (measured) mass of the crucible differ from the true mass if the mass were measured while the crucible were still hot? (i.e. the student did not wait for the crucible to cool to room temperature)

3. What is a desiccator? What is its specific purpose in this experiment?

4. Why are you instructed to use the same balance throughout the entire experiment?

5. Why must everyone heat, cool, and weigh each sample (at least) twice?