Experiment 8.

Student Sheet

FINDING THE FORMULA OF COPPER OXIDE

The formula of copper oxide can be determined by reducing copper oxide to copper. Several reducing agents may be used for this purpose: hydrogen, carbon, carbon monoxide and methane (natural gas)

Aim:
To determine the formula of copper oxide by reduction with methane.

Method:
Weigh the test-tube Add two spatula measures of copper oxide to the test-tube and weigh again. Place the test-tube and copper oxide horizontally in a clamp (see diagram) burning methane methane

copper oxide heat Insert the stopper plus tube, and connect the end of the tube to the gas supply. Turn on the gas supply and check the rate of flow by placing a hand over the hole in the test-tube. Adjust the tap of the gas supply until a gentle flow of gas is felt. Wait about ten seconds and then light the gas. If necessary adjust the gas supply until a flame 2-3cm high is obtained. Place a roaring Bunsen flame under the copper oxide and heat until the black oxide has changes entirely to copper. If necessary move the Bunsen flame along the test tube so that all the solid is heated. Turn off the Bunsen burner and allow the test-tube to cool. When the test-tube is cool enough to handle turn off the gas supply. Remove the stopper and delivery tube and weigh the test-tube and copper. Put your results in the table below. Work out the formula of copper oxide.

Results:
mass of test-tube mass of test-tube + copper oxide mass of test-tube + copper mass of copper mass of oxygen 1 = = = = = g g g g g

Experiment 8.7 Calculation:

Complete the following:

Student Sheet

.g of copper react withg of oxygen. mass/g amount/mol

copper oxygen

..

__________ =.. 63.5 __________ =.. 16

Ratio of copper: oxygen = .. Empirical formula =

Questions:
1. What is the colour of the copper oxide at the start of the experiment?............................ 2. What is the colour of the copper at the end of the experiment?....................................... 3. Why is gas burnt at the hole in the test-tube?................................................................... 4. Why must care be taken in lighting the gas at the start of the experiment?..................... 5. Why must the copper oxide be dry before it is heated?...................................................