The single replacement reaction of aluminum and copper (II) sulfate is a dramatic and exothermic reaction. The reaction produces a solution of aluminum sulfate and copper solids.
Ms. Koch

1B - 0.50 g Al

4B - 0.30 g Al
Mr. Taruscio

1B - 0.20 g Al

2B - 0.60 g Al


2A - 0.40 g Al
4B - 0.10 g Al
Procedure :
1. Obtain aluminum foil from the dispensing area.
2. At your station, tear foil or cut foil into small pieces according to your assigned amounts above.
(Do NOT roll foil into a ball!)
3. Place an empty 150 ml beaker on the balance. Record the weight of the empty beaker.
4. To that beaker add small pieces of the aluminum foil until the correct gram amount is achieved.
5. Record masses
Mass of empty beaker________________
Mass of the beaker and foil together________________
(Calculate) Mass of aluminum foil________________
6. From the dispensing area obtain about the following amounts of copper (II) sulfate solution using a 25 mL graduated cylinder.
Ms. Koch

1B - 0.50 g Al 25 mL of Solution

4B - 0.30 g Al 15 mL of Solution
Mr. Taruscio

1B - 0.20 g Al 15 mL of Solution

2B - 0.60 g Al 25 mL of Solution

2A - 0.40 g Al 25 mL of Solution

4B - 0.10 g Al 15 mL of Solution
7. Add the copper (II) sulfate solution to the beaker with the aluminum foil.
8. Remember to take qualitative data during the reaction.
9. Swirl the reaction contents with the glass stirring rod.
10. Let the solution sit for a time, swirling occasionally. The reaction is done when ALL aluminum foil turns brown.
11. Weigh and record empty filter paper (write names and weight in pencil on edge of filter paper).
12. Using filter paper, a funnel and the 400 mL beaker for a waste container, filter out the copper from the solution.
13. Using the dispensing bottle, wash all solid copper into the filter paper.
14. When you have washed all of the solids in the reaction beaker through the filter paper, set your filter paper in the drying area.
Waste may be washed down the drain with LOTS of water.
Repeat the experiment 3 times (as many as you can during class)