Chemistry CH 8: Copper Cycle Lab
Name_____________________________ Per___
Cu Later!! (Wearing Goggles, of course!!)
In this lab, copper will undergo several reactions. It will start as a metallic element, then
__________ 2 electrons to become the copper (II) ion. The Cu2+ ion changes partners several times in
the lab, then _________ 2 electrons from the more active element aluminum to become copper
metal again.
Reaction 1:
Your teacher will demonstrate for the class the reaction of metallic copper with concentrated nitric
acid. This must be done in the fume hood. (Caution: Avoid breathing poisonous gases. Avoid contact
of skin with nitric acid. It burns skin and clothing.) One student will be asked to feel the side of the
demonstration test tube and report to the group.
 Write the indications that a reaction has occurred.
The reaction that occurred is Cu(s)+ 4HNO3(aq) -----> Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2NO2(g)+ 2H2O(l)
 Write the word equation for this reaction.
Reaction 2:
Place one pipet of 1.0 M copper(II) nitrate solution in a test tube.
Add two pipets of 2.0 M sodium hydroxide solution using an NaOH pipet. (Caution: Avoid contact
with sodium hydroxide; it burns skin.) Use the vortex spin on the tube to mix, or use a stirring rod.
Rinse the solid down with about a cm of distilled water.
 Write the indications that a reaction has occurred.


This is a double displacement reaction with a precipitate of solid copper (II) hydroxide.
Write the word equation and the balanced formula equation for this reaction.
Reaction 3:
Put the hot water bath on the wire mesh and light your bunsen burner. Place the test tube in the hot
water bath and observe. Remove the test tube when you see no further change occurring and place
the test tube in the cold water bath.
 Write the indications that a reaction has occurred.

This is a decomposition reaction with a product of solid copper(II) oxide.
Chemistry CH 8: Copper Cycle Lab
Name_____________________________ Per___
 Write the word equation and the balanced formula equation for this reaction.
Reaction 4:
Allow the material to settle. Use the pipet labeled "waste" to remove the clear liquid (supernatant
liquid) above the copper (II) oxide. Do not remove any of the solid. Discard the liquid in the waste
beaker and wash the solid by adding 2 cm of distilled water. Tap or stir to mix. Allow the solid to
settle. Then remove and discard the liquid in the waste beaker again.
Add 2 pipets of 3.0 M hydrochloric acid, using an "HCl" pipet. (Caution: Avoid contact of both skin and
clothing with hydrochloric acid.) Vortex stir to mix.
 Write the indications that a reaction has occurred.


This is a double displacement reaction with a product of copper(II) chloride.
Write the word equation and the balanced formula equation for this reaction.
Reaction 5:
Add the precut piece of aluminum wire to the test tube. (The wire should be bent like a fish hook to
hook over the top of the test tube.) If the reaction gives off too much heat, place the test tube in the
cold water bath.
 Write the indications that a reaction has occurred.


There are two single displacement reactions occurring; write the word equation and balanced
formula equation for each:
aluminum and hydrochloric acid

aluminum and copper (II) chloride
Clean up:
When the reaction is finished, pull out the Al, remove the liquid using the waste pipet and discard in
the waste beaker. Wash the solid with distilled water, remove the liquid using the waste pipet and
discard the liquid in the waste beaker. Wash the solid again with a squirt of distilled water. Put team
names on a filter paper, fold and set up the paper in the filter. Pour the solid into the filter quickly,
and catch the filtrate in a beaker. Discard the filtrate in the waste beaker. Observe the final product.
Return NaOH and HCl pipets to the back counter, and arrange the remaining equipment neatly.
Chemistry CH 8: Copper Cycle Lab
Name_____________________________ Per___
Wash hands thoroughly before leaving the laboratory.