Question

Part 1: Plan Your Investigation

You will plan, design, and conduct your own investigation to compare the electrical forces between molecules in two different substances by observing and comparing bulk properties. You will need to decide which substances you want to evaluate, and then, develop a procedure. Read the directions and review the key words for this lesson as you answer the following about your investigation.
Step 1: Substances
Which substances do you wish to compare and why? (Add additional space and items as needed.)
Remember to review the key words and concepts, especially for bulk properties and electrical forces, for this lesson as you answer this question.

1. Substance 1 and why

Sodium Chloride (Table Salt)
Sodium chloride is an ionic compound, which means it consists of positively and negatively charged ions held together by electrostatic forces. Observing its bulk properties can help illustrate the electrical forces in ionic compounds.

2. Substance 2 and why

Sucrose (Sugar)
Sucrose is a covalent compound that forms through the sharing of electrons between its constituent atoms, resulting in weaker intermolecular forces compared to ionic compounds. Comparing sucrose to sodium chloride will highlight the differences in electrical forces between ionic and covalent molecules based on their physical properties.
Step 2: Step-by-Step Procedure
Develop and describe the step-by-step procedure you will use to conduct your experiment, including which bulk property you will measure. You should review and revise this section as needed throughout your portfolio lessons.

Step-by-Step Procedure (Add additional space as needed.)
In your procedure, describe the data and the collection methods you will use. Be as detailed as possible.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
### Step 1: Substances

1. **Substance 1: Sodium Chloride (Table Salt)**
- **Why:** Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound made of sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). The electrostatic attractions between these oppositely charged ions represent strong electrical forces. Observing its bulk properties, such as melting point, solubility in water, and electrical conductivity in solution, can highlight these strong interactions.

2. **Substance 2: Sucrose (Sugar)**
- **Why:** Sucrose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁) is a covalent compound formed by the sharing of electrons between carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. It has weaker intermolecular forces compared to ionic compounds. By examining properties like solubility in water and melting point, I can demonstrate how the weaker electrical forces in covalent compounds impact their behavior compared to ionic compounds.

### Step 2: Step-by-Step Procedure

**Objective:** To compare the electrical forces between sodium chloride and sucrose by observing bulk properties such as solubility in water, melting point, and electrical conductivity.

**Materials Needed:**
- Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
- Sucrose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁)
- Distilled water
- Scale for measuring mass
- Beakers (500 mL)
- Hot plate or Bunsen burner for melting point measurement
- Thermometer
- Conductivity meter or multimeter (if available)
- Stirring rod
- Stopwatch
- Measuring spoons

**Procedure:**

**Step 1: Preparation**
- Measure 10 grams of sodium chloride and 10 grams of sucrose using the scale. Record the weights for accuracy.

**Step 2: Solubility Test**
1. Fill two separate 500 mL beakers with 250 mL of distilled water each.
2. Add the 10 grams of sodium chloride to the first beaker and stir with the stirring rod until fully dissolved. Note the time taken until no solid remains.
3. Add the 10 grams of sucrose to the second beaker and stir until dissolved. Again, note the time taken for full dissolution.
4. Record the solubility of both substances in terms of grams per 100 mL of water at room temperature.

**Step 3: Melting Point Measurement**
1. Using the hot plate or Bunsen burner, place a small amount (a teaspoon) of sodium chloride in a heat-proof container and heat it gently. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
2. Observe the point at which sodium chloride begins to melt and record the temperature.
3. Repeat the process with sucrose. Monitor and record the temperature at which the sucrose melts.
4. Compare the melting points of the two substances.

**Step 4: Electrical Conductivity Test**
1. Prepare a solution of sodium chloride by dissolving 10 grams in 250 mL of distilled water in a clean beaker.
2. Use the conductivity meter or multimeter to measure the conductivity of the sodium chloride solution. Record the reading.
3. Prepare a solution of sucrose by dissolving 10 grams in 250 mL of distilled water in another clean beaker.
4. Measure the conductivity of the sucrose solution using the same method as in step 2. Note the reading.
5. Compare the results for both solutions and summarize your findings.

**Step 5: Data Collection and Analysis**
- Document all collected data systematically in a table for clarity.
- Analyze the differences in bulk properties (solubility, melting point, and conductivity) between sodium chloride and sucrose, correlating them to the types of electrical forces present in each substance.

**Step 6: Conclusion**
- Draw conclusions about the effect of electrical forces on the bulk properties of ionic versus covalent compounds based on the data collected. Discuss how the findings relate to the underlying molecular structure and the types of bonding involved in sodium chloride and sucrose.

This procedure allows for thorough observation and comparison of the bulk properties of each substance, providing insight into the differences in electrical forces. Be sure to conduct the experiment under safe laboratory conditions, wearing appropriate PPE throughout the investigation.