Title: Percent Copper and Formula Weight of a Copper Compound

Date: 9/26/14
Lab Team: Group 1

Purpose

The purpose of our experiment was to determine the percent copper in a copper-containing
compound by use of an active metal. The active metal, 0.4g of magnesium turnings, were used
to reduce copper (II) ions in a 2g substance to a metallic copper. Through this reaction we were
able to nd the percent of copper in our unknown substance, and mass of the copper as well.

Main Reactions: Balanced Equations

Cu
2+
+ 2e
-
-> Cu
Mg -> Mg
2+
+ 2e
-


Materials and Equipment

Throughout this experiment the following pieces of equipment were used: test tube, beakers (3),
10mL graduated cylinder, plastic funnel and pipettes, lter (2), wash bottle.

Throughout this experiment the following chemicals were used: unknown copper compound
(2g), de-ionized water (150mL), 6M hydrochloric acid (7mL), ethyl alcohol (5mL), acetone
(5mL), magnesium turnings (0.4g)

Experimental Procedure

2g of unknown copper compound was divided into two 150mL beakers, followed by adding
50mL de-ionized water to each. 5mL 6M HCl was added and stirred into each beaker until solid
copper compound dissolved. 0.4g magnesium turnings were added to each beaker and stirred
well for approximately 15 minutes. The solution was slowly washed through a separate lter for
each beaker, and the masses were recorded. Added 25mL and stirred to get the last pieces of
the solution out of the beaker and onto the lter paper. Cu was washed with 5mL ethyl alcohol,
followed by 5mL of acetone. The lters were spread on watch glasses and placed in heat for 10
minutes. Weighed the Cu and paper, followed by allowing to heat for an additional 5 minutes.