Decomposition Of Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate Lab Report

Decomposition of copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4●5H2O)
Introduction: By now, you are aware that scientists apply heat to substances in order to decompose them. In this lab, you will apply heat to make copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4●5H2O) undergo a decomposition reaction. You will make observations and will have to make an educated claim about the products of the decomposition reaction. Furthermore, you will have to use your observations as evidence and will have to discuss your reasoning about why your observations support your claim.
1. Use a spatula to scoop and place 2 crystals of CuSO4●5H2O into a test tube.
2. Describe the crystals.
3. Light a Bunsen burner.
4. Use a test tube clamp to hold the test tube and to hover it over the flame. This will increase the temperature of the crystals and will result in a decomposition reaction.
5.

Describe the reaction.
a. Observations:

6. Allow the product of the reaction to cool down for about a minute.
7. Use a pipette to add 2 of drops of water into test tube.
a. Describe the reaction (describe your observations).

8. Pour the mixture into the waste container.
9. Fill out the claim-evidence-reasoning chart (at the back of this handout) answering the following question:
a. What are the products of the decomposition of CuSO4●5H2O?

b. What is a possible chemical equation for the decomposition reaction?

10. Be ready to discuss your claim with the class, and to write down the correct products for the decomposition of CuSO4●5H2O.
Answer:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Claim

Evidence Reasoning