Activity 1.11 Class 10 Science

 This activity explains the oxidation of copper to copper oxide.

Oxidation of copper

Aim of the Activity

To demonstrate the oxidation of copper when heated 

Caution: This activity needs the teacher’s assistance.

 

Procedure

1)  Heat a china dish containing about 1g copper powder

2)  What do you observe?

Observation

Copper powder  (reddish brown) is heated in a china dish, it turns black copper oxide.

Conclusion 

The surface of copper powder becomes coated with black copper oxide. This is because of the oxidation of copper.

                                

 `2Cu        +    O2\overset{heat}{\rightarrow} 2CuO`

 Copper   Oxygen        Copper(II) oxide

If we pass hydrogen gas overheated copper oxide (CuO) the black coating on the surface turns brown as the reverse reaction takes place and copper is obtained.

`CuO + H_2 \rightarrow Cu + H_2O`

In the above reaction, copper is oxidized to copper oxide, and oxygen is reduced to copper oxide. This is a redox reaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the colour of copper powder?

Ans. - Brown 

2. Which new substance is formed when the copper powder is heated?

    Ans.- Copper oxide is formed.

3. Write the chemical reaction of heating of copper powder.

Ans. - 2Cu + O₂  → 2CuO

4. Name the reaction that takes place in activity 1.11 Class 10 Science.

Ans.-  Oxidation and combination reactions

5. What do you mean by an oxidizing agent?

Ans. The substance(element/atom) that oxidizes the other substance and gets reduced itself is called an oxidizing agent.

6. What is an oxidation reaction?

Ans.- The reaction in which a substance gains oxygen during the reaction is called an oxidation reaction.

 Related Topics for you

1.   Activity 1.10  Class 10 Science

2. Solution of Chemical Reactions and Equations

3. MCQ Questions of Chapter 1 

4. Extra Questions of Chapter 1