To form Copper Sulphate crystals
Impure Copper sulphate, bunsen burner, beaker, conical flask, glass rod, water, filter paper, water bath, tripod stand, wire gauge
Mix water and impure copper sulphate in a beaker and heat for some time till slightly hot; pour through funnel containing filter paper into flask. Heat the conical flask containing water and copper sulphate till saturated and keep stirring with glass rod. To check if impurities exist, dip the rod in the solution and place it above flame. If the residue has white powder, refilter the solution. If the solution is almost pure, further heat it to allow crystal formation.
Stir the solution more to allow crystals to join. Stir by centrifuging when the flask is cold enough to handle. Continue doing for several minutes for crystals to join. Extract solidified crystals and put in aside and filter the solution. Fut the crystals to the solution again and let it settle down inside a water bath. After several hours, more crystals will start to form in the bottom.
This experiment showed the importance of filtering and saturating solutions to form crystals. This allowed us to set a foundation in the use of chemistry lab tools and instruments to produce the desired result.
- Do not place cloth or skin near fire from the burner.
- Do not overheat the glass tumbler.
- Handle every instrument with care and do not place near the table's edge.