Preparation of Copper Sulphide
Assignment 1 – Investigative Report
12/11/12
FYO-00034: Communication skills for scientists
Selective report: CHE-00027 – General and Organic Chemistry
Experiment 1
Determination of Empirical Formula: Preparation of a Copper Sulphide.
Aim
The aim of the experiment was to determine the empirical formula of sulphide of copper and to make sure that an amount of copper metal reacted with elemental sulphur, Eq. 1. To be able to calculate the empirical formula of copper sulphide, the mass (grams) of copper has to be known and the mass (grams) of copper sulphide after the reaction.
Copper, chemical formula Cu, is a known metal with a red-brown colour. The solid element is mainly used for heat, electricity and building materials. Copper is found in mineral form such as sulphides which is important sources. The chemical property of copper distinguishes from other substances such as solids, liquids, gases and plasma. The property determines how the copper can react or change the substance (Winter, 1993-2012).
Sulphur is a yellow solid and a reactive non-metallic chemical element which combines with other elements. There are two common sulphur principal forms, rhombic and monoclinic. Rhombic form was used in this experiment. Rhombic sulphur is crystalline sulphur with three unequal axes at right angles which is combined of cyclic S8 molecules, as shown in figure 1 below. Sulphur is used for the development of sulphuric acid in manufacturing matches and bleach etc. When the Sulphur burns it changes to sulphur dioxide which is a gas that is very poisonous (Stewart, 2012).
Figure 1
Safety Chemical | R | R statements | S | S statements | Copper | 36/37/38 | Irritant to eyes. Respiratory system and skin. | 26/37/39 | In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water and seek medical advice. / wear suitable gloves and eye protection. | Sulphur | 11 | Highly flammable. |
12/11/12
FYO-00034: Communication skills for scientists
Selective report: CHE-00027 – General and Organic Chemistry
Experiment 1
Determination of Empirical Formula: Preparation of a Copper Sulphide.
Aim
The aim of the experiment was to determine the empirical formula of sulphide of copper and to make sure that an amount of copper metal reacted with elemental sulphur, Eq. 1. To be able to calculate the empirical formula of copper sulphide, the mass (grams) of copper has to be known and the mass (grams) of copper sulphide after the reaction.
Copper, chemical formula Cu, is a known metal with a red-brown colour. The solid element is mainly used for heat, electricity and building materials. Copper is found in mineral form such as sulphides which is important sources. The chemical property of copper distinguishes from other substances such as solids, liquids, gases and plasma. The property determines how the copper can react or change the substance (Winter, 1993-2012).
Sulphur is a yellow solid and a reactive non-metallic chemical element which combines with other elements. There are two common sulphur principal forms, rhombic and monoclinic. Rhombic form was used in this experiment. Rhombic sulphur is crystalline sulphur with three unequal axes at right angles which is combined of cyclic S8 molecules, as shown in figure 1 below. Sulphur is used for the development of sulphuric acid in manufacturing matches and bleach etc. When the Sulphur burns it changes to sulphur dioxide which is a gas that is very poisonous (Stewart, 2012).
Figure 1
Safety Chemical | R | R statements | S | S statements | Copper | 36/37/38 | Irritant to eyes. Respiratory system and skin. | 26/37/39 | In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water and seek medical advice. / wear suitable gloves and eye protection. | Sulphur | 11 | Highly flammable. |
References: Stewart, D, 2012. (2012). Sulfur Element Facts. Available: http://www.chemicool.com/elements/sulfur.html. Last accessed 09/11/12. Winter,M. (1993-2012). Copper: The essentials. Available: http://www.webelements.com/copper/. Last accessed 09/11/12.