In a copper cycle lab, where could have the lost copper might have went?

Let's say I did a copper cycle lab and my final weight of the copper is less than what i started with. Where did it go?

If you have conducted a copper cycle lab and observed a decrease in the final weight of copper compared to the initial weight, there are several possible explanations for the missing copper:

1. Reactions with gases: Copper can form compounds with gases present in the lab environment, such as oxygen (forming copper oxide) or sulfur dioxide (forming copper sulfate). These reactions might result in the copper converting into different chemical compounds and no longer being in its metallic form.

2. Dissolution in solutions: Copper is known to dissolve in acidic or basic solutions under certain conditions. If your lab involved the use of acidic or basic solutions, it is possible that the copper dissolved into the solution and was not accounted for in the final weight measurement.

3. Contamination: It's important to ensure that the apparatus and materials used in the lab are clean and free from contamination. If there was any contamination, such as impurities in the chemicals or equipment, it could affect the final weight measurement.

4. Experimental errors: It is also possible that the decrease in copper weight is a result of experimental errors, such as inaccurate measurements, incomplete removal of impurities, or incomplete drying of the copper sample.

To determine the exact reason for the missing copper, it is important to carefully review the experimental procedure and consider the specific reactions and conditions involved in the lab. Additionally, consulting with your instructor or a lab technician could help to identify any potential sources of error or explain the observed discrepancy in the copper weight.