Department of Chemistry
The objectives of this experiment are to (a) build three-dimensional models of several molecules and examine which molecular properties are consequences of shape, (b) use a magnetic susceptibility balance to validate the electron configuration of several ions, and (c) observe the behavior of a ferromagnet and a ferrofluid in the presence of an applied magnetic field.
In Part I of this experiment, you will use a molecular model kit to assist your understanding of Lewis structures, formal charges, molecular geometries (electron-pair geometry, molecular shape, bond angles), polarity, and orbital hybridization.
In Part II, you will use the magnetic susceptibility balance to gather data that you will use to calculate the number of unpaired electrons for ions in several samples. Based on your results, you will determine if the samples are paramagnetic or diamagnetic, as well as compare the experimentally-determined number of unpaired electrons with the theoretical value.
Finally, in Part III, you will observe the effect of temperature on the behavior of gadolinium, a ferromagnet, in the presence of an applied magnetic field. You will also observe the behavior of a ferrofluid as you attempt to move it around in a vial by applying a magnetic field.