Action of heat on marble chips

Background

Marble is a form of the chemical compound calcium carbonate - CaCO₃. It is formed when limestone is subject to high pressure and temperature over a period of time.

Safety features:

You are dealing with heat and corrosive solutions. Safety glasses and caution must be observed.

Instructions:

1. Place a small piece of marble on the corner of a tripod and gauze.
2. Heat strongly for at least 10 minutes (the marble must glow red/white).
3. Using a pair of crucible tongs transfer the hot marble chip to 50cm3 of water in a small beaker.
4. Stir and filter the mixture
5. Collect the filtrate and divide it into three portions in three test tubes.
6. Test the first portion with universal indicator solution and observe.
7. Using a straw, carefully breathe exhaled air through the solution in the second test tube. Observe.

Results recording:

Before, during and after - colour, state and any other observations. Don't forget that it is often better to present data in the form of a table. For example:

• Before
• During
• After

colour, state and any other observations.

 

Appearance	Before	During	After
State
Colour
Other observations

Experimental write up: