======Copper Extraction Using Carbon======


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**Alternative titles:** Reduction of Copper Oxide by Carbon
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Mix a small quantity of powdered copper(II) oxide with powdered carbon.  
  - Place the mixture in a heat-resistant test tube or crucible.  
  - Heat the mixture strongly using a Bunsen burner for several minutes.  
  - Observe the reaction as the black powder changes and metallic copper appears.  
  - Allow the products to cool and then examine them under a magnifying glass or microscope to identify small copper particles.



====Links==== 
Reduction of copper (II) oxide by carbon - Sergei's Chemistry: 
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Yr10 Copper oxide and carbon - WTN Chemistry Clips: 
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📄 Reactions between metals and metal oxides - Chemguide: [[https://www.chemguide.co.uk/14to16/rs/mandmo.html]]\\


====Variations====
  * Use charcoal instead of pure carbon.
  * Perform the reaction in a covered crucible and use a high-temperature Bunsen burner.
  * Collect the gas released to confirm it is carbon dioxide.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Safety glasses required.  
  * Heat-resistant gloves should be worn.  
  * Use tongs to handle hot test tubes or crucibles.  
  * Carry out the experiment in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.  
  * Ensure the carbon powder and copper oxide are handled carefully to avoid inhalation.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why can carbon reduce copper oxide but not reduce aluminum oxide? (Because aluminum is more reactive than carbon and cannot be displaced by it.)  
  * What evidence shows that a chemical reaction has occurred? (The appearance of copper metal and the release of carbon dioxide gas.)  
  * How does this experiment relate to the industrial extraction of metals? (It models the reduction of metal oxides using carbon in blast furnaces.)  
  * Why is heating necessary for this reaction? (The activation energy is high and heat provides the energy needed for the reaction to start.)