Preparation of dry crystals using an acid and metal oxide

A salt is formed by the neutralisation of an acid and a base

To make copper sulphate crystals

• Take a measured amount of sulphuric acid (40cm3) and pour into a beaker

• Give a gentle heat using tripod, gauze, and Bunsen burner to speed up the react (under blue flame for 30 seconds)

• Add an excess of copper oxide and react with sulphuric acid to make copper sulphate and stir using stirring rod (know it’s excess when there’s black unreacted copper oxide left)

• Remove solid copper oxide using filtration (it’s insoluble) using filter paper and a funnel

• Pour solution into an evaporating basin and heat to remove water

• Heat gently over a beaker of boiling water using a Bunsen burner

• Remove from heat when no water remains and you should have dry copper suplhate crystals