Recycling Copper Lab

Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to perform a sequence of chemical reactions illustrating the properties of copper and its compounds. Copper (II) nitrate will undergo a series of reactions including decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement. At the completion of the lab, elemental copper will produced.

Decomposition: A + B -> AB

Single Replacement: element + compound -> element compound (A + BC -> AC + B)

Double Replacement: compound + compound -> compound + compound (AB + CD -> AD + CB)

Procedure

Part 1

1) Add 2 mL of 0.5 M copper (II) nitrate solution to the test tube

2) Add 2 mL of 0.5 M sodium hydroxide solution to the same test tube

3) Mix the combined solution with the stirring rod. Rinse the stirring rod thoroughly with water before setting it down on the table.

Part 2

1) Obtain a 100 mL beaker and fill halfway with tap water.

2) Place the test tube from part 1 into the water bath. Place the beaker with the test tube on the hot plate. Heat the water until boiling or until no more changes occurs in the test tube.

(There should be a distinct color change – be patient)

Part 3

1) Obtain a 100 mL beaker and fill halfway with room temperature tap water.

2) Using test tube tongs, remove the test tube from the hot water bath. Turn off the hot plate. Cool the test tube and its contents for 2 minutes by placing it in the room temperature water bath.

3) Take the test tube out of the room temperature water bath. Place the test tube in the test tube rack.

4) Add 2 mL of 1.0 M hydrochloric acid to the test tube.

5) Mix with stirring rod. Rinse stirring rod with water after using