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In this activity, learners discover that atoms and ions of different metals will change places. Learners place drops of copper sulfate solution onto a steel nail, then observe as the solution loses its blue color, and the steel nail becomes copper colored. This activity has been revised from original reaction system using silver nitrate solution and copper metal. The primary link is to new operating guide, and the original operating guide is also available. This activity is currently used in the Chemical Reactions Unit in OMSI's Chemistry Lab. Cost estimates are per 100 learners. For safety reasons, this activity should be conducted as a demonstration for younger audiences.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- Under 5 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per group of students
- Ages 11 - adult
- Activity, Demonstration, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 100 wire nails size 1 x 16
- small dish or lid (about 2-in. diameter)
- 30-ml dropper bottle
- 250-ml squeeze bottle
- 500g CuSO4 (copper sulfate) (keep 500g on hand)
- (2) 250 ml plastic beaker
- 250 ml plastic bottle
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Chemistry
- Chemical Reactions
- Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
- Solutions
-
Chemistry
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, 1997
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation, 9355628