Required Practical - Making Salts

Question 1

What is the word equation for this practical?

Answer 1

Sulfuric Acid + Copper Oxide —> Copper Sulfate + Water
Acid + Base —> Salt + Water

Question 2

What are the 5 steps in this practical? (Detail)

Answer 2

1) 40cm3 of Sulfuric acid heated until almost boiling in order to speed up the reaction.
2) Add copper oxide until the black powder remains undissolved (in excess)
3) Filter the contents of the beaker so that the unreacted base is removed.
4) Heat the filtrate on a water bath until the edges start to crystallise. Using a water bath means it only starts the evaporation process.
5) Leave to crystallise at a cooled temperature because salt is less soluble at lower temperatures meaning it won’t stay dissolved.

Question 3

What are some risks in this practical?

Answer 3

Sulfuric acid is an irritant, as well as copper oxide powder.