A-level Applied Science/Finding out about Substances

About this Unit From the AQA Specification: In this unit you will learn about: how to take and prepare samples for analysis; the use of standard procedures to ensure that the results of analysis can be replicated; how to conduct qualitative analysis and a volumetric (quantitative) analysis; how a chromatographic analysis and colorimetric analysis are conducted; how to calculate a molar enthalpy change from experimentation and that energy changes take place during chemical reactions. How you will be assessed This unit is assessed through the work you complete for your portfolio. The marking criteria are found in the AQA specification. What you need to know Qualitative analysis x128px|link=A-level Applied Science/Finding out about substances/QualitativeVolumetric analysis x128px|link=A-level Applied Science/Finding out about substances/TitrationChromatography x128px|link=A-level Applied Science/Finding out about substances/ChromatographyColorimetry x128px|link=A-level Applied Science/Finding out about substances/ColorimetryHeat of combustion x128px|link=A-level Applied Science/Finding out about substances/Combustion Scenario 1: Richmond Mine Water "The Richmond Mine of the Iron Mountain copper deposit contains some of the most acid mine waters ever reported. Values of pH have been measured as low as −3.6, combined metal concentrations as high as 200 g/liter, and sulfate concentrations as high as 760 g/liter."http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=34288 Nordstrom, DK and Alpers, CN 1999 Negative pH, efflorescent mineralogy, and consequences for environmental restoration at the Iron Mountain Superfund site, California. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 96(7) 3455–3462 Molar concentrations of salts in Richmond Mine water sample.Compositions of five extremely acid mine water samples from the Richmond Mine. sample90WA103temp34.8pH0.48Iron(II)0.323Aluminium0.041Iron (III)0.020Magnesium0.034Zinc0.031Sulphate salts0.570Sulphuric acid0.659 In the investigations which follow, you will examine a sample of water with similar composition to confirm the acid concentration and the ions present. You will use qualitative analysis, titration, colorimetry, chromatography. References