I did a copper cycle lab and my final weight of the copper is less than what i started with. Where did the lost copper go?
To determine where the lost copper might have gone in your copper cycle lab, you can consider the different reactions and processes involved in the lab. Here are a few possibilities:
1. Evaporation: Copper compounds can sometimes contain water molecules attached to them. During the lab, it is possible that some of these water molecules may have evaporated, causing a decrease in the overall weight of the copper.
2. Gaseous products: In certain reactions during the lab, such as the reaction of copper with hydrochloric acid, gaseous byproducts like hydrogen gas may have been produced. These gaseous products could have escaped into the surroundings, resulting in a loss of copper mass.
3. Transfer to the reaction vessel: During the lab, it is common to transfer solid copper between different containers or reaction vessels. Some copper particles may have been left behind during this process, leading to a decrease in the final copper weight.
4. Experimental errors: It's important to consider the possibility of experimental errors. It's possible that inaccuracies in measuring equipment or procedures may have led to an incorrect measurement. Reviewing your lab technique and assessing any potential sources of error is important to account for any inconsistencies.
To help determine the exact cause of the lost copper, you can review your lab notes, procedures, and measurements to identify any of the above potential reasons for the discrepancy. Additionally, discussing your observations with your instructor or lab partners may provide additional insights and help clarify any uncertainties.