The compound copper sulfate is found in pesticides that are used to kill organisms.It has copper oxide and sulfuric acid.As a fun science experiment, copper sulfate is often used to grow blue crystals.
Step 1: Pick out all of your supplies.
The items should be placed in one place.You won't have to stop in the middle of a task to look for a missing item if you have all of the equipment in one place.You will need to protect your eyes with Copper Oxide Sulphuric Acid Eye Protection.
Step 2: Go to your work station.
The beaker should be on top of the tripod.You should put on eye protection.
Step 3: The acid should be poured into the beaker.
The solution should be almost boiling.
Step 4: The hot solution should have small pieces of copper oxide in it.
To avoid burning yourself, use the spatula.
Step 5: To stir lightly, use the glass stirring rod.
You don't want to stir too much and splash the solution on your skin.After each new addition, stir for up to 30 seconds.
Step 6: After the last piece of copper oxide is added, continue to heat the solution.
You want to make sure that the reaction has taken place.It could take 1 to 2 minutes.There will be a black powder in the solution.
Step 7: The Bunsen burner needs to be turned off.
No acid remains in the solution if you use a litmus paper.After the solution has been sieved, fumes will appear.
Step 8: The beaker should be put aside.
Allow the beaker to cool while you prepare for the process.
Step 9: The conical flask has a funnel in it.
Attach the filter paper to the funnel.Polythene filters are cheaper and safer than glass filters.The diameter of the filter funnel should not be too large.The set-up will be unstable if that is not the case.
Step 10: To make sure the beaker is safe to hold at the top, check it.
Wait for the beaker to cool down if it's too hot.Continue to handle with care as the contents will remain hot.
Step 11: Move the beaker in a circular direction to swirl the solution.
The solution should be put into the funnel.
Step 12: Wait for the solution to clear up.
There should be a clear blue solution in the flask.If it is cloudy with black powder, repeat the process until it clears up.
Step 13: The beaker needs to be washed.
You will use the beaker to hold the growing crystals.You don't want to taint your solution.
Step 14: The beaker should be filled with the clear blue solution.
While doing so, be careful.The solution may be too hot to burn you.
Step 15: The beaker will not be disturbed for a week or more if you leave it in a warm place.
The water will begin to evaporate as the crystals form.Depending on how warm the area where the beaker is being stored is, this method may take a few weeks.Well- formed crystals will grow.It is possible to heat the solution over a Bunsen burner until some of the water has evaporated.Allow the solution to cool down.The cooling crystallization method is likely to result in irregularly shaped crystals.