Copper and other raw materials contribute to our technological lifestyle, but the by-products of extracting copper from ore are potential toxic wastes. In this activity, students explore the properties of copper and copper ore. They conduct two reactions used to extract and recover copper from the ore. This process introduces single and double replacement reactions. Student also consider the wastes produced by the extraction process. Developed by SEPUP.
Scientific Concepts:
Chemical reactions are used to extract and recover copper from ore
Chemicals such as copper and its compounds react in characteristic ways to form new substances with different properties
Natural resources, such as copper, are used to maintain and improve quality of life
The by-products of ore processing can become potentially toxic wastes
Decisions involving resource use should be made with an understanding of the trade-offs involved
Content List:
1Teacher's Guide with MSDS
32Student Worksheets and Guides
1Malachite, piece
1Crushed malachite ore, container
1White scoop
8Sulfuric acid, 1M bottle
83.25 oz. cups
16AB trays, LAB-AIDS‚®
16Filter funnels
8Filter paper circles, coarse
16Cups , 30-mL, graduated
24Stir sticks
1Iron powder, container
16Droppers
16Filter paper circles, Fine
Classroom Planning:
To complete the two activities in this kit requires two to three ~50-minute class periods