Evaporation

Aim: To separate a solute from a solvent in a solution using evaporation.

Equipment: Copper sulfate solution, 250 ml beaker, heatproof mat, an evaporating basin, Bunsen burner, tripod, gauze mat.

Method: 

1. Set up the bunsen burner, tripod and gauze mat. Don't place the Bunsen burner under the tripod.

2. Add approximately 50 ml of hot water to your beaker and place it on top of the tripod, on the gauze mat. 

3. Add enough copper sulfate solution to quarter fill the evaporating basin.

4. Carefully place the evaporating basin on top of the beaker.

5. Light your bunsen burner. Open the air hole and gently push the Bunsen burner under the tripod.

6. Heat the solution until most of the solvent has been evaporated and crystals of solute are forming.

7. Turn off your bunsen burner.

Results: 

Discussion: We started with the copper sulfate solution and let it sit to boil. The gas evaporated in the water. There was residue around the basin. We left it to evaporate by the window. Once we came back, we were left with blue shiny crystals.