What reactions happen in the copper cycle?
The reaction series includes single replacement, double replacement, synthesis, and decomposition reactions. In each of two cycles, students will complete a series of reactions that results in the final product regenerating the original starting material.
How does the copper cycle work?
Heating copper hydroxide produces copper oxide, CuO, a black solid. Copper oxide dissolves in acid, regenerating the copper (II) ion, which once again binds to water. Finally, zinc metal reduces the hydrated copper (II) ion back to metallic copper while itself turning being oxidized to zinc (II) ions.
What is the aim of the copper cycle experiment?
Purpose: To recognize the evidence of a chemical change and to prove the law of conservation of mass by observing a series of chemical reactions involving copper. A specific quantity of copper will be transformed through a series of chemical reactions to form new substances and then recovered as solid copper.
What happens to zinc in the copper cycle?
In Part V, zinc metal (Zn) is added to the copper solution to convert the copper ions back to copper metal, Cu(s). The resulting solution will contain colorless zinc ions, Zn2+(aq) and copper solid. Visible evidence of this reaction is observed as bubbles of gas being released from the solution.
Why is excess nitric acid used in copper reaction?
The reactions between copper and nitric acid are examples of oxidation-reduction reactions, where gaining electrons reduces one element and losing them oxidizes the other. Nitric acid is not only a strong acid, it is an oxidizing agent. Therefore, it can oxidize copper to Cu+2.
Why the copper cycle is important?
It is involved in electron transfer reactions and oxygen metabolism. Copper is also crucial for the development of the central nervous system. High concentrations of copper can be dangerous, because it leads to oxidative damage of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.