RP01 - Making Salts

• What is the purpose of filtering the mixture when preparing copper sulfate?

  To remove the excess copper oxide
• What should you do after filtering the copper sulfate solution?

  Heat the solution to start evaporation
• What is the chemical equation for the reaction between CuO and H2SO4?

  CuO + H2SO4 → CuSO4 + H2O
• What safety precaution should be taken regarding the Bunsen burner?

  Turn it off or use the safety flame
• Why is it important to wear eye protection when handling sulfuric acid?

  Because sulfuric acid is corrosive
• What are two methods of separating mixtures?

  • Filtration
  • Crystallisation
• How can you separate an insoluble product from a solution?

  By using filtration
• What is the process of filtration for separating an insoluble product?

  1. Place filter paper in a funnel
  2. Pour mixture through the funnel
  3. Insoluble product remains on filter paper
• How can you separate soluble solids from solutions?

  By using evaporation
• What method should you use if a soluble solid decomposes when heated?

  Use crystallisation
• What is the first step of making salts?

  Sulfuric acid: Measure 20 cm^3 sulfuric acid into a measuring cylinder and pour it into beaker.
• What is the second step of making salts?

  Bunsen burner: Heat the acid gently using a bunsen burner
• What is the third step of making salts?

  Copper oxide: Add small amounts of insoluble base (in this case, copper oxide) in excess (until no more reacts thus no more effervescence is produced).
• What is the fourth step of making salts?

  Filtration: Filter using filter paper and funnel the solution to remove the excess copper oxide.
• What is the fifth step of making salts?

  Evaporation: Pour the solution into the evaporating basin and evaporate the solution using a water bath until crystals start to form. Leave the evaporating basin in a cool place for at least 24 hours.
• What is the sixth and final step of making salts?

  Crystals: Gently pat the crystals dry between two pieces of filter paper