can silver displace the aluminium in Aluminium Sulphate
Answers
The reaction of aluminium and copper(II) sulfate
In association with Nuffield Foundation
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Try this class practical or demonstration to illustrate the displacement of copper from copper(II) sulfate using aluminium foil
In this experiment, students add aluminium cooking foil to copper(II) sulfate solution and observe no reaction. They then add and dissolve sodium chloride, producing a vigorous displacement reaction which illustrates the reactivity of aluminium. The solution gets very hot, the aluminium dissolves and red copper becomes visible.
This class practical can take about 30 minutes to complete A flexicam would work well if this is to be done as a demonstration and allow students a clearer view of what is going on.
Equipment
Apparatus
Eye protection (goggles)
Conical flask, 100 cm3
Chemicals
Aluminium foil, 2 cm x 2 cm
Copper(II) sulfate solution, 0.8 M (HARMFUL), 20 cm3
Sodium chloride, 2–3 g
Health, safety and technical notes
Read our standard health and safety guidance.
Wear eye protection (goggles) throughout and disposable nitrile gloves.
Aluminium foil, Al(s) – see CLEAPSS Hazcard HC001A.
Copper(II) sulfate solution, CuSO4(aq), 0.8 M (HARMFUL, DANGEROUS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT) – see CLEAPSS Hazcard HC027c and CLEAPSS Recipe Book RB031.
Sodium chloride, NaCl(s), (table salt) – see CLEAPSS Hazcard HC047b.
Ensure the aluminium foil is completely consumed by the reaction before disposal to prevent a continued exothermic reaction in the rubbish bin. Use plenty of copper(II) sulfate solution and sodium chloride to ensure a complete reaction.