My aim is to prove or disapprove which of the two equations is correct by thermally decomposing CuC - page 1
Keywords: My aim is to prove or disapprove which of the two equations is correct by thermally decomposing CuCo3 and analysing the products formed. Avogadro's Constant, Stoicheometry moles chemical equations
By Mose. on 01/09/2008
Level: A Level (Year 12) / AS Level
Page Number: 1 of 3 pages: 1 2 3
Equation 1: 2CuCO3 ----> Cu2O(s) + 2CO2 (g) + ˝O2 (g)
Equation 2: CuCO3 ----> CuO(s) + CO2 (g)
When I first observed the task set I noticed that there were more gas products formed in equation one, than in equation two. This in turn helped me in deciding a way in which I could not only measure but also distinguish which equation was correct or not. To do this I recalled my knowledge about the mole.
(Avogadro’s Constant - The number of atoms, molecules or ions in one mole of substance. L = 6.02 x 1023 mol-1)
If I found out the mole of the copper carbonate, I would be able to find out the mole of the gas products in both equations. Therefore by knowing the mole of the gas products I can interpret this information and will also be able to discover the amount of gas produced. This is again based on mole knowledge that one mole of gas, at room temperature (25°) and pressure (1 Atmosphere) will occupy the same volume of 24000cm3 or 24dm3. Therefore by using the values I predict using the mole in both equations, I will be able to distinguish which equation is correct by comparing the values to the actual amount recorded in the experiment.
Preliminary Observations
Before designing my experiment there were a few factors that I had to take into account. One of these was the volume of gas that I would be collecting. The apparatus I will use to collect the gas is a 100cm3 gas syringe. Therefore the products formed ideally will have to be between 10 and 90cm3. Any larger would result in inaccurate results, as the syringe will not be able to hold the desired quantities. Therefore I had to use a small amount of Copper Carbonate in order to obtain a suitable amount of gas.
Background Information
Thermal decomposition occurs when a substance breaks down into simpler substances when heated, often with the help with a catalyst. It is also an endothermic reaction as heat is put in order to break chemical bonds. The products of endothermic reactions are likely to be more useful than the reactants.
Calculations – Equation 1
I have decided to use 0.25grams of Copper Carbonate.
2CuCO3 ----> Cu2O(s) + 2CO2 (g) + ˝O2 (g)
First I will work out the moles of CuCO3
Moles = Mass/Mr
= 0.25/123.5
Moles = 0.00202 (3 sig figures)
The ratio of 2CuCO3 to 2CO2 is
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