SCH 3U0 Unit 1: Matter and Chemical Bonding Lab: Al Foil Lab

Name: ________________ Date: ________________

Determining the Thickness of Aluminum Foil

Introduction: You can easily determine the thickness of a book or a bar of gold; but how can you determine the thickness of something that cant be measured with a ruler? Think about what you can measure: the length and the width. But how does this help you determine the height? In this investigation you and your partner are to write and carry out a procedure to accurately determine the thickness of a piece of aluminum foil. Problem: How can you determine the thickness of a piece of aluminum foil, in centimetres? Variables: List your dependent, independent and a minimum of two control variables for this experiment. Materials: Aluminum foil Ruler Electronic balance Scissors Calculator Aluminum Information Sheet

Procedure: Design a procedure to determine the thickness of the aluminum foil. Write the procedure clearly in a stepwise manner. Be sure to include all details and equipment to be used. It is not necessary to include the how to do the calculations in the procedure. You MUST have your procedure approved by your teacher before you begin the lab. Observations: Observe and record as many physical properties of aluminum foil as you can. Make sure to create a proper observations table with a proper title. Note: All calculations are shown underneath the table in a subheading called Sample Calculations. Analysis Questions: 1. Consider your value for the thickness of aluminum foil. Is it reasonable? How do you know? 2. How did you ensure that you collected your data accurately and precisely? 3. Why is accuracy and precision so important when conducting an experiment? 4. Explain two possible experimental sources of error in this lab. 5. Another group in the class cut their piece of aluminum foil to a different proportion that you did; explain what effect, if any this would have on the results. 6. Research how aluminum foil is commercially produced; then write a paragraph (max. 100 words) on it. Be sure to include a reference for your source. Conclusions:

SCH 3U0 Unit 1: Matter and Chemical Bonding Lab: Al Foil Lab

Name: ________________ Date: ________________

Write a proper conclusion for this experiment. Be sure to state the purpose and all significant findings.

SCH 3U0 Unit 1: Matter and Chemical Bonding Lab: Al Foil Lab

Name: ________________ Date: ________________

Adapted from: http://www.sciencelab.com/xMSDS-Aluminum-9922844 Retrieved: July 23, 2009. Checkbrick Introduction: Problem stated variables mentioned and explained Procedure: Numbered steps Detailed directions Results: Properly formatted Contain all relevant information Analysis Questions: Correctly answered #6 referenced 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 4 5 6 2 3 4

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Name: ________________ Date: ________________