Reduction process in Chemical Reactions and Equations – Class 10 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Chemical Reactions and Equations

Activity Name: Reduction process in Chemical Reactions and Equations

Activity Description:

This experiment demonstrates the reduction process using copper oxide (CuO) as the reactant. Copper powder is heated in the presence of oxygen, forming copper oxide (CuO). Then, hydrogen gas is passed over the hot copper oxide, leading to the reduction of copper oxide back to copper.

Required Items:

1. 1.0g of copper powder
2. China dish
3. Tripod stand containing wire gauge
4. Bunsen burner or spirit lamp
5. Hydrogen gas source

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Take about 1.0g of copper powder and place it in a china dish.
2. Set up a tripod stand containing a wire gauge, and place the china dish on it.
3. Heat the copper powder in the china dish using a Bunsen burner or spirit lamp.
4. Observe any change in the color of the copper during heating. The surface layer of copper may turn black, indicating the formation of copper oxide (CuO).
5. Once copper oxide is formed, pass hydrogen gas over the hot copper oxide in the china dish.
6. Observe any changes in the color of the copper oxide during the passage of hydrogen gas. The black coating of copper oxide may turn brown as it is reduced back to copper.

Experiment Observations:

• During heating, the copper powder surface turns black, forming copper oxide (CuO).
• When hydrogen gas is passed over the hot copper oxide, the black coating turns brown, indicating the reduction of copper oxide back to copper.

Precautions:

1. Handle the Bunsen burner or spirit lamp with care and follow proper safety guidelines.
2. Ensure proper ventilation during the experiment, especially when working with gases.
3. Use appropriate protective gear like safety goggles and gloves.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

The experiment demonstrates the process of reduction and oxidation-reduction reactions (redox reactions). When copper is heated with oxygen, it undergoes oxidation and forms copper oxide (CuO). When hydrogen gas is passed over the hot copper oxide, reduction occurs, and copper oxide is converted back to copper. Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between reactants.