1. What specifically are you looking for in the IR spectrum to determine if the reaction has given the desired product? 2. What specifically are you looking for in the NMR spectrum to determine if the reaction has given the desired product?

You are looking for expected peaks in absorption spectra founded on structure of desired product, respectively on bound in desired compound. Every bond absorb specific energy from radiation which wavelength match to IR spectrum of light. Result of energy absorption is vibration of bond and bonded atoms (if they are not too heavy).That absorbed energy is seen as a peak in absorption spectra. These peaks are specific for each bound so you need to find peaks that mach to bounds in your desired compound and in that matter you can identify your compound.

In nuclear magnetic resonance you are looking for  peaks specific for atoms in your desired compound (H or C atoms). When external magnetic field is applied, atom goes in higher energy state. When atoms goes "relaxing", it releasing energy that mach energy gap from relaxed end excited state. That energy is detected on nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and it depends on neighbor atom so you can determine the position of atoms and identify structure of desired compound.

For better results it is the best to combine these two methods.

Explanation:

answer; talc and gypsum;

answer : one can design an experiment using a liquid and an additive that can be added to the liquid and observe the chemical changes in the reaction species.

one would need a beaker which is filled with a known amount of the liquid in which thermometer is placed to measure the temperature changes; after addition of the additive to the liquid solution one can note down the temperature change and find whether the reaction is endothermic or exothermic in nature. by subtracting the initial temperature value with the final temperature one can find the temperature changes.

various combinations of liquid and additive can be used. liquid in this case can be a known quantity of water and additives can be epsom salt or without epsom salt the experiment can be conducted to notice the changes. water and ice, hydrogen peroxide and dry yeast, vinegar and baking soda,etc.