Chemistry Writing Prompts

Chemistry Writing Prompts

Matter and Materials

Name ______________________________ Period _____ Date _______

Choose five of the following prompts to write about. Your answer must be in complete sentences and use proper sentence structure. Your answers must contain the listed terms and use them in the correct context. These prompts will help you immensely to prepare for the discussion questions on the test.

1. A strip of magnesium metal is ignited using a lighter wand. The result is an intensely glowing white light. As the burning of the metal subsides, a white powder-like substance now appears replacing the smooth ribbon of metal. How do you explain what happened? Be sure to use the following terms: physical properties, chemical properties, pure substance, reactivity, chemical change and emission of light.

2. A small amount of baking soda is place on a template. Several drops of Vinegar are added to the powder. The resulting reaction leaves none of the powder like substance. It appears to have disappeared. How can you explain what took place. Be sure to use the following terms: physical change, chemical change, reaction, reactants, products, evidence of reaction, evolving of a gas, solution, and compound.

3. A large clump of ice is placed into a saucepan and heated to at least 1000C. Explain the changes that would take place by using the following terms: physical change, states of matter, compound, solid, liquid, vapor and temperature change.4. Describe, using complete sentences, a method that could be used to separate each of the following mixtures.

a. Iron filings and sand

b. Sand and salt

c. The components of ink

5. After burning for 3 hours, a candle has lost half of its mass. Explain why this indicates a physical and chemical change.

6. List and describe the four evidences that a chemical reaction has taken place. Be sure to include specific examples in your answer.

7. Explain the following examples in terms of physical or chemical changes: breaking a pencil in two; water freezing and forming ice; frying an egg; burning wood; leaves turning color in the fall. Make sure that your answer contains the terms physical properties, change in state, and change in composition, 8. The statue of liberty was originally constructed of brilliant bronze copper. To look at the Statue now, it has a predominating greenish color to it. How could you explain what has been happening. Be sure to use the terms, extensive property, physical property, reactivity, corrosion, iron, oxygen, reactants, products, rust, chemical change, acid rain.

9. A beaker is filled one-third full of sugar. A layer of highly concentrated sulfuric acid is poured on the top. Over a period of seconds, you notice a substantial change in the look of the sugar. It becomes darkened and begins to bubble up and form a stiff black material which vents a strong vapor. Upon the completion of the reaction, you take a knife to the substance and notice it crumbles like a fine powder. How do you explain what happens? Be sure to use the terms physical properties, chemical properties, reactivity, reactants, evidence of reaction, evolving of a gas, color change, density, texture, and chemical change.