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Introduction

Thermal Decomposition of Copper Carbonate ( CuCO3) Introduction: Copper Carbonate (CuCO3) decomposes by heat to form either one of two oxides, namely Copper (I) Oxide (Cu2O) and Copper (II) Oxide (CuO). This reaction can be written as two different equations: a. 2CuCO3 (s) --> Cu2O (s) + 2 CO2 (g) + 1/2 O2 (g) b. CuCO3 (s)--> CuO (s) + CO2 (g) Aim: In this experiment we will be required to identify the correct balanced stoichiometric chemical equation for the decomposition of the copper carbonate from the volume of carbon dioxide produced. Background Information: When metals are heated they react with oxygen in the air. As the metal is heated it reacts with the oxygen to form an oxide. Column II carbonates are decomposed by heat to form corresponding oxides and carbon dioxide. The temperature of decomposition depends on the reactivity (in relation to stability) of the metal. In this way, the carbonates of sodium and potassium are stable at the highest temperatures of a Bunsen burner flame whereas the carbonates of silver and copper are easily decomposed. Basic Idea: a. ...read more.

Middle

carbonate to use for this experiment as well as the size of the measuring vessel that can be used to collect the gas that will be released during the decomposition of copper carbonate. And so, I will be using 0.2 grams of copper carbonate and a 50ml measuring cylinder. If equation 1 is correct I expect the collected volume of gas to be about 48.58cm3. Assuming the presence of errors, the whole cylinder could result in being completely empty. If equation 2 is correct I expect the collected volume of gas to be about 38.87 cm3. Assuming the presence of errors this value may vary � 10cm3. This would still be less than that of the first equation. This would be enough information to identify which equation is correct. Apparatus: * Copper Carbonate - CuCO3 (s) - 0.20g * 1 Test tube ( fitted with rubber stopper with glass tubing) * Delivery tube * Clamp and stand * Big bucket * Water * Bunsen burner * Matches * Balance * Spatula * 50ml - Measuring cylinder * Extra - Safety goggles - Gloves * Access to a fume cupboard RISK ASSESSMENT: Compounds used or produced Quantity: Produced/ Used Hazard Safety precautions Storage Disposal Copper Carbonate [CuCO3 (s)] 0.2 g Low reactivity Toxic to plants and fungi. ...read more.

Conclusion

6. We will see bubbles collecting in the measuring cylinder, the rate of CO2 release will begin to slow down when decomposition is near completion. When the bubbling stops, remove the heat and the delivery tube at the same time. 7. The measuring Cylinder will be held perpendicular in the water and the bottom of the meniscus will be read meniscus to determine the amount of water displaced by the gas. 8. This experiment will be repeated at least three more times to ensure accuracy of results. BIBLIOGRAPY: Textbook: 1. 2004. GCE Moles, Formulae and Equations. " The mole" pages 24 - 32, London: Edexcel Websites: 1. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, 2006. Decomposition of carbonates by heat [Online] Available at: <http://www.bpi.edu/ourpages/auto/2006/10/11/1160563714086/03-Decomposition%20of%20a%20carbonate.doc> [Accessed 08 December 2010] 2. Health and Safety Executive, General hazards of carbon dioxide [Online] Available at: <http://www.hse.gov.uk/carboncapture/carbondioxide.htm> [Accessed 07 December 2010] 3. Material safety Data sheet, 2005. Cupric Oxide [Online] Available at: <http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/C5885.htm> [Accessed 03 December 2010] 4. Material safety Data sheet, 2007. Cuprous Oxide [Online] Available at: <http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/c5971.htm> [Accessed 03 December 2010] 5. Practical Chemistry, 2008. Thermal Decomposition of Metal Carbonates [Online] Available at: <http://www.practicalchemistry.org/experiments/thermal-decomposition-of-metal-carbonates,281,EX.html> [Accessed 03 December 2010] 6. Riddle J.P, 1999. Copper Carbonate [ Online] Available at: <http://www.ctmsupplies.hemscott.net/Copper%20Carbonate.htm> [Accessed 01December 2010] 7. Tutor Next, 2008. Decomposition Reactions [Online] Available at: <http://www.tutornext.com/decomposition-reactions/4043> [Accessed 07 December 2010] ...read more.

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