Aim The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effects of heating Lead Nitrate (Pb(NO3)2.
Method About three spatulas full of Lead Nitrate was poured into a small test tube. The Bunsen burner was lit in the usual way and set to the hottest flame. Using a test tube holder the test tube was carefully positioned about five centimetres above the bases of the flame. The experiment was halted prematurely because a crack appeared around the base of the test-tube. Also, every minute or so a glowing spindle was inserted into the test-tube to test for the presence of oxygen.
Safety Precautions Goggle were worn before and during the heating. Care was taken not to point the mouth of the test-tube towards anybody. Also lab coats were worn. When not in use the Bunsen burner was turned onto the yellow flame.
Observations It was noticed that a brown gas with a pungent smell was emitted from the test tube.
Destillasjon av tre
A Bunsen burner with needle valve. The hose barb f...
English: Sealed tube: test tube sealed by bunsen b...This was Nitrogen Dioxide. Another gas given of was oxygen. A small degree of de-crapitation was also noticed. The colour also changed to a shade of yellow. The residue was lead oxide.
Conclusion It was concluded that if Lead nitrate was heated an irreversible chemical change occurred.
Diagram
Different flame types of Bunsen Burner depending o...
chemical structure of lead(II) nitrate
English: Nitrogen dioxide obtained in a test-tube ...