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In the Percent Copper in Brass Inquiry Lab Solution for AP® Chemistry, students analyze the amount of copper in brass using visible spectroscopy and explore the correlation among wavelength, absorbance and concentration.
Includes access to exclusive FlinnPREP™ digital content to combine the benefits of classroom, laboratory and digital learning. Each blended learning lab solution includes prelab videos about concepts, techniques and procedures, summary videos that relate the experiment to the AP® exam, built-in student lab safety training with assessments, and standards-based, tested inquiry labs with real sample data. FlinnPREP™ Inquiry Lab Solutions are adaptable to you and how you teach with multiple ways to access and run your AP® labs.
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Big Idea 1, Investigation 2, Primary Learning Objective 1.16
The relative proportions of copper, zinc and iron in brass influence its properties and uses. How can the percent composition of brass be determined to verify these properties?
The purpose of this advanced-inquiry lab is to design a procedure to analyze the amount of copper in brass using visible spectroscopy. The lab begins with an introductory activity in which students measure the absorbance of various metal ion solutions at regular wavelength intervals from 400 nm to 700 nm and investigate the influence of the anion on the absorption spectra. Students identify the correlation among wavelength, absorbance and concentration for each of three possible ions that may be obtained from brass: copper, zinc and iron.
Then students design and carry out an experiment to construct a calibration curve and determine the concentration of copper ions in a solution prepared by dissolving brass in nitric acid. Students must investigate the concentration range over which Beer’s law is valid and identify the optimum wavelength for analysis. The mass percent of copper in brass is determined from the results of the analysis.
Complete for 24 students working in pairs. Perform this experiment in a fume hood or well-ventilated lab. Refill kit includes chemicals and consumable items.
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Flinn Advanced Inquiry Laboratory Kits for AP* Chemistry