How to show that aluminium is an active metal by experimenting on it
Answers
Answer:
Wear goggles and disposable nitrile gloves.
Aluminium foil, Al(s) - see CLEAPSS Hazcard.
Copper(II) sulfate solution, CuSO4(aq), 0.8 M (HARMFUL, DANGEROUS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT) - see CLEAPSS Hazcard and CLEAPSS Recipe Book.
Sodium chloride, NaCl(s), (table salt)
1 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.
Procedure
a Measure approximately 20 cm3of copper(II) sulfate solution into the conical flask.
b Add a square of aluminium foil.
c Look for signs of a reaction.
d Add a spatula of sodium chloride and stir to dissolve.
e Observe any changes. If nothing happens, add more sodium chloride. Has displacement of copper from copper(II) sulfate occurred?
Student questions and example table.
1. Before the sodium chloride is added, does any reaction occur?
2. After adding sodium chloride, does the aluminium appear more or less reactive?
3. How does the salt affect this change?
Write yes or no.
Observations
Before the sodium chloride is added
After the sodium chloride is added
Bubbles observed
Colour changes
Temperature change
Copper observed
Explanation: