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MSH Practical Laboratory Series
Lab 11: Conditions Required for Rusting
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620
Printable Student Worksheet
Paper 5 / Paper 6 Skills
Topic: 9.5 Corrosion of Metals | Student printable version
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Aim

To complete a practical investigation linked to 9.5 Corrosion of Metals and develop IGCSE practical skills in observation, measurement, recording, analysis and evaluation.

Learning Objectives

Apparatus and Chemicals

Safety:

Risk Assessment Summary

Possible hazardSafety precautionEmergency response
Chemicals may irritate skin or eyes.Wear eye protection; avoid direct contact; use small quantities.Rinse affected area with plenty of water and inform the teacher.
Glassware, hot apparatus or flames may cause injury.Handle apparatus carefully; use test-tube holders; keep bags away from benches.Report breakages, burns or spills immediately.

Paper 5 / Paper 6 Practical Skills Checklist

I selected and used suitable apparatus safely.
I recorded observations and measurements clearly.
I used correct units and table headings.
I identified variables where appropriate.
I processed data or drew conclusions from evidence.
I evaluated the method and suggested improvements.

Method

  1. Place clean iron nails in different test tubes.
  2. Set up Tube A with air and water.
  3. Set up Tube B with dry air using a drying agent.
  4. Set up Tube C with boiled water and an oil layer.
  5. Set up Tube D with salt water.
  6. Leave for several days.
  7. Record the amount of rust formed.

Results

TubeConditionObservation after Day 1Observation after Day 3Observation after Day 5
AAir + water
BDry air
CBoiled water + oil
DSalt water

Additional observations:

Analysis Questions

  1. Which tube showed the most rusting?
  2. Which tube showed little or no rusting?
  3. What two conditions are required for rusting?
  4. How does salt water affect rusting?

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER)

Claim: What happened?Evidence: What data/observations support this?Reasoning: What chemistry explains it?

Conclusion

State the conditions needed for rusting and support your answer with evidence.

Evaluation

Identify one source of error and one improvement to the method.

Source of errorImprovement

Extension / Challenge

Suggest how painting, greasing or galvanising prevents rusting.

Teacher Assessment (30 Marks Total)

CriterionMarks
Planning & Organisation5
Data Collection & Observations5
Processing & Analysis10
Evaluation & Improvements5
Conclusion5
Total30

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