[Dirty Frank]

Which equation is correct?
Copper has 2 oxides, CuO & CuO₂

CuCO₃ decomposes on heating to form one of these oxides & an equation can be written for each possible reaction;

Reaction 1:       2CuCO₃ ---> Cu₂O_(s) + 2CO_2(g) + 0.5O_2(g)

Reaction 2:       CuCO₃ ---> CuO_(s) + CO_2(g)

Using ideas that you have learnt about the mole, plan & design an experiment to measure a volume of gas that will prove which of the two equations is correct You have access to usual laboratory chemicals & apparatus.

Your plan should include the following:

• a list of equipment, apparatus & chemicals;
• the quantities of any reagents used;
• any special set of conditions that are rquired for a particular procedure;
• a detailed method wich provides full insturtions & any necessary precautions

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I understand what to do really, I just need a little help with the detailed method.
If anyone can link me to somewhere I can find something similar & adapt it, I'd be very grateful.

Feel free to offer any advice.

Thanks in advance;
ANGx

[xiankai]

what is your basic plan, then?

[Donaldson Tan]

how to measure the volume of gas evolved?

you can use an inverted jar with a column of water..

[AWK]

you can use an inverted jar with a column of water..

Carbon dioxide is good soluble in water!

It is better to weight  the sample before and after heating

[Donaldson Tan]

CO2 isn't very soluble in water. The 'extra' volume of gas will be due to oxygen. Both reactions produce 1 mole of carbon dioxide per mole of copper(II) carbonate.