Chemical Reactions Lab Report

In this lab we demonstrated a series of sequential steps of chemical reactions in an enclosed system, to detect whether the Law of Conservation of Mass applies to the principles abiding by the Copper Cycle. The first reaction was a redox reaction. This utilised Nitric Acid (strong oxidising reagent) to be combined with Metallic Copper, which formed heat from Nitrogen Dioxide (N2), and a dark green colouration (Cu(NO3)2) was observed. Second, was a double displacement where Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Copper (II) Nitrate reacted together to produce blue solution. The third reaction included a black precipitate that decomposed to create Copper (II) Oxide and water, which signifies this is a Decomposition reaction. Next, the black solution transitioned into blue acidic solution. By referring to the solubility chart, SO4 (soluble), and water is the output. Last, a single displacement reaction transpired with zinc additional alongside to the previous solution to generate heat (Hydrogen gas materialises) and solid copper. Though, in the activity series, zinc is above copper, which means that zinc (II) sulphate is made then it begins to decay into another chemical equation. Additionally, it can be stated that, the group

In this experimental investigation, the law of conversation of mass is distinctively applicable. Throughout the duration of the entire practical, we conducted a sequence of chemical reactions that comprise of the mass remaining constant with the theoretical/ initial value; albeit, errors eradicated the quantity of copper recovered at completion. Henceforth, the copper cycle is recognised as a biogeochemical cycle that incorporates a chain of reactions that facilitate copper to regenerate to its elemental