News
12th March 2024

ChemSoc experiments

BHASVIC Chemistry Society recently followed up our work on percentage yield in chemistry lessons with a light-hearted investigation / competition into who could get the highest yield of carbon dioxide gas from the reaction of copper carbonate with hydrochloric acid:

CuCO₃(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CuCl₂(aq) + CO₂(g) + H₂O(l)

This is an example of the common acid/carbonate reaction which produces carbon dioxide gas (ionic equation below):

2H⁺(aq) +	CO₃^2-(aq)→	CO₂(g) +	H₂O(l)
^{hydrogen ions}	^{carbonate ions}	^{carbon dioxide}	^water

Here is a short video explaining how it works: *Click here*

Below are some pictures of our ChemSoc members at work!

Isobel prepares the solid CuCO₃ whilst Lucy gets the acid ready.

Keir discusses the set-up of the gas syringe with Samuel.

Lauren and Millie check the height they’ll clamp the gas syringe at so it’s stable.

Sami: “Why do chemists like nitrates?”

Netanya: “No idea – go on, I’m guessing you’re going to tell me anyway!”

Sami: “Because they’re cheaper than day rates!”

Isaac and George set up their equipment.