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MSH Practical Laboratory Series
Lab 8: Preparation of Copper(II) Sulfate Crystals
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620
Printable Student Worksheet
Paper 5 / Paper 6 Skills
Topic: 7.3 Preparation of Salts | Student printable version
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Aim

To complete a practical investigation linked to 7.3 Preparation of Salts and develop IGCSE practical skills in observation, measurement, recording, analysis and evaluation.

Learning Objectives

Apparatus and Chemicals

Safety:

Risk Assessment Summary

Possible hazardSafety precautionEmergency response
Chemicals may irritate skin or eyes.Wear eye protection; avoid direct contact; use small quantities.Rinse affected area with plenty of water and inform the teacher.
Glassware, hot apparatus or flames may cause injury.Handle apparatus carefully; use test-tube holders; keep bags away from benches.Report breakages, burns or spills immediately.

Paper 5 / Paper 6 Practical Skills Checklist

I selected and used suitable apparatus safely.
I recorded observations and measurements clearly.
I used correct units and table headings.
I identified variables where appropriate.
I processed data or drew conclusions from evidence.
I evaluated the method and suggested improvements.

Method

  1. Warm dilute sulfuric acid gently in a beaker.
  2. Add copper(II) oxide a little at a time while stirring.
  3. Continue until excess black solid remains.
  4. Filter the mixture to remove excess copper(II) oxide.
  5. Gently heat the filtrate to concentrate it.
  6. Leave the solution to cool and crystallise.
  7. Observe and record the crystals formed.

Results

StageObservation
Acid before adding copper(II) oxide
After adding copper(II) oxide
Filtrate
Crystals

Additional observations:

Analysis Questions

  1. Why is copper(II) oxide added in excess?
  2. What is removed by filtration?
  3. Why is the filtrate heated?
  4. Name the salt produced.

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER)

Claim: What happened?Evidence: What data/observations support this?Reasoning: What chemistry explains it?

Conclusion

Describe how copper(II) sulfate crystals were prepared and purified.

Evaluation

Identify one source of error and one improvement to the method.

Source of errorImprovement

Extension / Challenge

Suggest how crystals could be dried without damaging them.

Teacher Assessment (30 Marks Total)

CriterionMarks
Planning & Organisation5
Data Collection & Observations5
Processing & Analysis10
Evaluation & Improvements5
Conclusion5
Total30

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