I had a lab this past thursday where we had to find the density and specific heat of an UNKNOWN metal. My SH and D were both CLOSE to both Zinc and Iron. My metal looked like a light gray substance and it looked like it had at one point been melted and dropped into small hershey kiss shapes. Can anyone tell me some physical characteristics that would deem it one or the other. Thanks.
2006-09-18 06:17:17 · 4 answers · asked by Angel Eve 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Since it looked as though it was melted, my first inclination would be to select zinc because zinc has a lower melting point than iron and can thus be "shaped" at lower temperatures.
Very quick test can tell the difference between the two...add some HCl (~ 6M) to the two metals. The zinc will evolve hydrogen gas (you will see some bubbling) but the iron will not react with the HCl (at least not to any appreciable extent).
2006-09-18 06:46:59 · answer #1 · answered by The ~Muffin~ Man 6 · 0⤊ 5⤋
I take it that you got a density between 7.1 and 7.9 g/mL and a specific heat between .4 and .44??
Several, starting with the magnet test mentioned above. Iron will be attracted to a magnet but zinc will not be.
Zinc is very much easier to bend than iron. It will also "flatten" or "dent" quickly if hit with a hammer. Iron is more durable.
Zinc is far more reactive. This is the reason that it is used to "galvanize" iron to prevent the iron from rusting. A single drop of mineral acid (like HCl) will cause the zinc to bubble. The iron will not usually react.
Zinc melts far lower than Iron. A very hot burner will at least cause the zinc to deform. Iron will not be effected. Zinc will oxidize to white zinc oxide and iron will turn to rust. If you wet the sample and then heat it, you might see one of these color changes.
2006-09-18 06:22:47 · answer #2 · answered by Richard 7 · 8⤊ 0⤋
If they were Hershey kiss shaped, that means that you will be getting a nice kiss from your love. Iron sharpens iron. If it is magnetic, then it is close to iron or resembles iron. Non-magnetic is usually zinc. Other than that, I have no idea what I am talking about.
2006-09-18 06:27:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Iron is magnetic Zinc is not.
2006-09-18 06:20:33 · answer #4 · answered by christopher N 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋