A student plans a method to prepare pure crystals of copper sulfate - AQA - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
A student plans a method to prepare pure crystals of copper sulfate.
The student's method is:
1. Add one spatula of calcium carbonate to dilute hydrochloric acid in... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student plans a method to prepare pure crystals of copper sulfate - AQA - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Use Sulfuric Acid Not Hydrochloric Acid
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Answer
The student should replace hydrochloric acid with sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is necessary for the reaction to produce copper sulfate.
Step 2
Use Correct Reactants
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Answer
The student should use copper oxide or copper carbonate instead of calcium carbonate. Copper carbonate reacts correctly with sulfuric acid to produce copper sulfate.
Step 3
Add Solid Until No More Reaction Occurs
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Answer
The student must add copper oxide or copper carbonate solid until no more fizzing occurs, indicating that all the acid has reacted.
Step 4
Filter the Solution
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After completing the reaction, the student should filter the solution to remove any excess unreacted solid (copper oxide or carbonate) from the solution.
Step 5
Evaporate the Solution to Crystallize
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The solution should then be heated gently or allowed to evaporate until crystals of copper sulfate form. Care should be taken to not boil it away completely.
