Chemistry – Chemistry of the environment - Water | e-Consult

Apparatus:

• Anhydrous copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄)
• Beaker (e.g., 50 cm³)
• Dropper

Procedure:

1. Place a small amount of anhydrous copper(II) sulfate (approximately 1-2 cm³) into a clean, dry beaker.
2. Carefully add a few drops of distilled water to the copper(II) sulfate in the beaker.
3. Observe the copper(II) sulfate solution for any colour change.

Expected Observations:

The anhydrous copper(II) sulfate will turn from a white colour to a pale blue colour. This indicates the presence of water, as the water reacts with the copper(II) sulfate to form hydrated copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄·xH₂O), which is blue.