Culture de Cristaux de Sulfate de Cuivre

Production de grands cristaux bleus par évaporation lente

Crystallization Beginner (Middle School) 30 min ~$8,00

Objectif

Cultiver de grands cristaux bien formés de sulfate de cuivre pentahydraté par évaporation lente, démontrant la sursaturation et la formation de réseau cristallin.

Contexte

Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO₄·5H₂O) forms beautiful blue triclinic crystals. By preparing a saturated solution and allowing it to evaporate slowly over several days, large single crystals can be grown. The process demonstrates concepts of solubility, supersaturation, and crystal nucleation.

Avertissements de sécurité

  • Copper sulfate is toxic if ingested
  • Wear gloves when handling the solution
  • Wash hands thoroughly after the experiment
  • Do not dispose of copper sulfate down the drain

EPI requis

goggles gloves

Matériaux

  • Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate (50 g)
    Blue crystals
  • Distilled water (200 mL)
    Hot
  • Thread or fishing line (30 cm)
    For seed crystal
  • Pencil or stick (1)
    To suspend seed crystal

Équipement

400 mL beaker Hot plate Stirring rod Filter paper Funnel

Procédure

1

Heat 200 mL of distilled water to 60-70°C. Add copper sulfate gradually while stirring until no more dissolves (saturated solution).

10 min Wear gloves — copper sulfate is toxic
2

Filter the hot saturated solution through filter paper to remove any undissolved particles.

5 min
3

Pour a small amount into a petri dish and allow it to cool. Select the best small crystal as a seed crystal after 24 hours.

5 min
4

Tie the seed crystal to a thread and suspend it from a pencil placed across the top of the beaker of saturated solution.

5 min
5

Cover the beaker loosely with filter paper to allow slow evaporation. Place in a vibration-free location.

2 min
6

Check daily for crystal growth. Remove any small crystals that form on the thread or beaker walls.

3 min

Résultats attendus

After 1-2 weeks, the seed crystal should grow into a large blue crystal (1-3 cm) with well-defined facets. The crystal has a triclinic shape with distinct flat faces. Faster evaporation produces many small crystals; slower produces fewer, larger ones.

Nettoyage

Collect excess copper sulfate solution and solid for reuse or proper disposal in heavy metal waste. Do not pour down the drain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Culture de Cristaux de Sulfate de Cuivre?
Cultiver de grands cristaux bien formés de sulfate de cuivre pentahydraté par évaporation lente, démontrant la sursaturation et la formation de réseau cristallin.
How difficult is Culture de Cristaux de Sulfate de Cuivre?
This experiment is rated as Beginner (Middle School). It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for Culture de Cristaux de Sulfate de Cuivre?
Key safety precautions include: Copper sulfate is toxic if ingested; Wear gloves when handling the solution; Wash hands thoroughly after the experiment.
What materials are needed for Culture de Cristaux de Sulfate de Cuivre?
The main materials required are: Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, Distilled water, Thread or fishing line, Pencil or stick.
What results should I expect from Culture de Cristaux de Sulfate de Cuivre?
After 1-2 weeks, the seed crystal should grow into a large blue crystal (1-3 cm) with well-defined facets. The crystal has a triclinic shape with distinct flat faces. Faster evaporation produces many small crystals; slower produces fewer, larger ones.