core practical: preparing copper sulphate

Question 1

step 1

Answer 1

Place some sulfuric acid in a conical flask and warm it in a water bath.

Question 2

step 2

Answer 2

Add a spatula of copper oxide powder to the acid and stir with a glass rod.

Question 3

step 3

Answer 3

Continue adding copper oxide powder until it is in excess.

Question 4

step 4

Answer 4

Filter the mixture to remove the excess copper oxide.

Question 5

step 5

Answer 5

Pour the filtrate (the copper sulfate solution) into an evaporating basin.

Question 6

step 6

Answer 6

Heat the copper sulfate solution to evaporate half of the water.

Question 7

step 7

Answer 7

Pour the solution into a watch glass and leave to allow all of the water to evaporate.

Question 8

result

Answer 8

Record the appearance of the copper sulfate crystals, including their colour and shape

Question 9

analysis

Answer 9

Hydrated copper sulfate crystals should be blue and regularly shaped.