Ever wondered how much pure copper you can actually extract from 100 grams of copper sulphate? This is a fundamental concept in chemistry, particularly when studying stoichiometry and chemical reactions involving metals and salts.
In this blog, we’ll explain how much copper can be obtained from 100 g of copper sulphate, using a step-by-step approach, simple calculations, and real-world relevance. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or chemistry enthusiast, this detailed guide will help you understand the quantitative aspects of this classic chemistry reaction.
Table of Contents
What is Copper Sulphate?
Copper sulphate is a blue, crystalline salt with the chemical formula CuSO₄·5H₂O (copper (II) sulphate pentahydrate). It is widely used in laboratories, agriculture, electroplating, and chemical experiments.
Key Properties:
- Color: Bright blue
- Solubility: Soluble in water
- Appearance: Crystalline solid
- Molar mass: 249.5 g/mol (for CuSO₄·5H₂O)
How Much Copper is in Copper Sulphate?
To determine the amount of copper obtainable from 100 grams of copper sulphate, we use the concept of molar mass and stoichiometry.
Step 1: Determine the Molar Mass
- Molar mass of CuSO₄·5H₂O = 249.5 g/mol
- Molar mass of Cu (Copper) = 63.5 g/mol
Step 2: Use Proportion
From 249.5 g of CuSO₄·5H₂O, you get 63.5 g of Cu.
So, from 100 g of CuSO₄·5H₂O:
Copper = (63.5 / 249.5) × 100 = 25.45 grams
Final Answer
From 100 grams of copper sulphate, approximately 25.45 grams of pure copper can be extracted under ideal conditions.
Reaction Behind the Extraction
Let’s understand the chemistry behind it. Copper sulphate can undergo reactions (like displacement) to release pure copper.
Reaction with Iron:
Fe (s) + CuSO₄ (aq) → FeSO₄ (aq) + Cu (s)
Here:
- Iron displaces copper from the solution
- Copper gets deposited as a solid
This reaction is commonly used in labs to demonstrate metal reactivity and extraction.
Materials Required to Extract Copper from CuSO₄
You’ll Need:
- Copper sulphate crystals
- Distilled water
- Beaker
- Iron nails or strips
- Glass rod for stirring
- Measuring scale
- Gloves and goggles
Step-by-Step Procedure on How Much Copper Can Be Obtained from 100 g of Copper Sulphate
Step 1: Prepare Copper Sulphate Solution
- Dissolve 100 g of CuSO₄·5H₂O in 250 ml of distilled water.
Step 2: Add Iron Nail
- Clean the iron nail and immerse it in the solution.
- Leave it for 30–60 minutes.
Step 3: Observe the Reaction
- Reddish-brown copper gets deposited on the iron nail.
- Color of the solution fades.
Related Long-Tail Keywords Used:
- how much copper is in 100g of copper sulphate
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- stoichiometry of copper extraction from CuSO₄
- molar mass of copper sulphate pentahydrate
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Factors Affecting Copper Yield
- Purity of reactants: Impurities can reduce yield.
- Reaction time: Incomplete reaction results in lower copper recovery.
- Temperature: Higher temperatures may enhance reaction rate.
- Surface area of metal: More surface area = more contact = faster reaction.
Applications of This Concept
Where It’s Useful:
- Chemical analysis: Determining elemental content.
- Educational experiments: Stoichiometry and metal reactivity.
- Industrial use: Copper recovery in mining.
- Electroplating: Controlling copper concentration.
FAQs: How Much Copper Can Be Obtained from 100 g of Copper Sulphate?
Can I extract exactly 25.45g of copper?
In practice, no. This is a theoretical maximum. Practical yield will be lower due to losses.
Why use hydrated CuSO₄ for calculation?
Because lab-grade copper sulphate is usually CuSO₄·5H₂O (hydrated form), not anhydrous.
What happens to the leftover solution?
It becomes iron sulphate (FeSO₄), a pale green solution.
Can I use zinc instead of iron?
Yes. Zinc is also more reactive and will displace copper more aggressively.
Is this an example of a redox reaction?
Yes. Iron gets oxidized and copper ions get reduced.
Summary of Key Points
- Molar mass of CuSO₄·5H₂O = 249.5 g/mol
- 63.5 g of Cu is present per mole of CuSO₄·5H₂O
- From 100 g of CuSO₄·5H₂O, ~25.45 g of copper is obtained
- This is based on ideal laboratory conditions
Conclusion
To conclude, if you’ve ever asked, how much copper can be obtained from 100 g of copper sulphate, the theoretical answer is about 25.45 grams. Understanding this involves basic stoichiometry, reaction balancing, and practical lab work. It’s an excellent example of how chemistry concepts apply to real-world extraction and metal recovery.
