Determining a Molar Volume

The traditional method for calculating molar volumes involves generating oxygen gas—potassium chlorate is heated with manganese dioxide, a catalyst, to produce oxygen gas. This method is quite hazardous because large amounts of oxygen gas are produced and potassium chlorate is a powerful oxidizer of organic materials including the rubber stopper used in the set-up. In fact, potassium chlorate is a frequent source of accidents on school premises. An easier and safer method presented in this laboratory activity for the calculation of molar volumes involves the use of carbon dioxide instead of oxygen gas.