CHEM114-FOURTH WEEK.
2025
Experiment 1: Determination of water of crystallization of hydrated copper sulphate by
gravimetric analysis
Chemical Principles
Many ionic compounds in the solid state contain a fixed ratio of water molecules in the crystal
structure. This water is known as water of crystallization and any solid which contains water
within its crystal structure is said to be hydrated.
When hydrated solids are heated, they lose their water of crystallization, which usually escapes
as a gas. The mass of the solid decreases as a result. By measuring the change in mass of a solid
before and after dehydration, it is possible to deduce the formula of the hydrated solid.
S. xH2O(s) S(s) + xH2O(g)
If initial mass of solid (S. xH2O) = a; let final mass of solid (S) = b
So, mass of water = a-b
𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒃 𝒂−𝒃
no. of moles of S = 𝒎𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒔 = , 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐. 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 =
𝒎𝒎(𝑺) 𝟏𝟖
(𝒂−𝒃)
𝒎𝒎(𝑺) × (𝒂−𝒃)
it means that 𝒙 = 𝟏𝟖
𝒃 = 𝟏𝟖𝒃
𝒎𝒎(𝑺)
The analysis of a substance by measuring change in mass is known as gravimetric analysis.
Materials needed: crucible, access to a digital balance, access to clay pipe triangle and tripod
over a Bunsen Burner, access to hydrated copper sulphate.
Procedure
1. Weigh an empty crucible
2. Weigh out approximately 1g of hydrated copper sulphate crystals into a crucible
3. Weigh the crucible with the hydrated copper sulphate in it
4. Place the crucible in a clay pipe triangle and tripod over a Bunsen Burner and heat for 15
minutes using a small blue flame
5. Using tongs, remove the crucible from the clay pipe triangle and allow to cool—be
careful not to drop the crucible—it is hot
6. Weigh the crucible again
7. Repeat step 4, but this time heat for only 5 minutes
8. Remove the crucible, allow to cool and weigh it again
9. If the mass decreased again, repeat steps 8 & 9 until there is no further significant change
in mass
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CHEM114-FOURTH WEEK.2025
Experiment 2: Observing sublimation and separation of a mixture of sodium chloride and
ammonium chloride
Chemical Principle
Som solids turn directly into a gas on gentle heating. This is known as sublimation. A mixture of
two solid components can be separated if one of the components sublimes and the other does not.
Ammonium chloride and iodine both sublime.
If the mixture is heated in a dish, the solid which sublimes will turn into a gas, and the one which
does not will remain in the dish. If an inverted funnel is placed over the dish, the gas will often
condense again on the funnel to a layer of solid.
Equipment needed: evaporating dish, glass funnel, spatula, access to sand bath, access to a
digital balance
Procedure
1. Place approximately 0.1g of the NaCl/NH4Cl onto an evaporating dish
2. Place an inverted glass funnel over the dish and place onto a sand bath for 5 to 10
minutes
3. Remove the funnel and record your observation
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CHEM114-FOURTH WEEK.2025
Report
I.
Mass of empty crucible (g)
Mass of crucible plus hydrated salt before heating (g)
Mass of crucible plus anhydrous salt after heating (g)
Mass of hydrated salt, a(g)
Therefore, mass of anhydrous salt, b(g)
Also, mass of water (g)
Molar mass of anhydrous salt, copper sulphate
(CuSO4)
Molar mass of water (H2O)
(𝒂−𝒃)
Use the relation: 𝒙 = 𝟏𝟖
𝒃 and find x in
𝒎𝒎(𝑺)
CuSO4.xH2O
Where 𝒎𝒎(𝑺) is the molar mass of the anhydrous
II. What do you think happened to the hydrated copper sulphate after heating?
…………………………………………………………………………….
III. What observation can you deduce from the separation of NaCl/NH4Cl in experiment
two (2)?
………………………………………………………………………….
IV. Which of the salts sublime onto the funnel and how effective is the separation method
in experiment two (2)?
………………………………………………………………………………
