An Investigation into the Displacement of Metals

An Investigation into the Displacement of Metals

Aim: I am investigating how the mass of iron fillings affects the mass

of copper displaced from copper sulphate.

Apparatus: Iron filings, copper sulphate, beaker, stirring rod,

goggles, scale, filter funnel, filter paper, evaporation dish.

The variable that I will be changing is the mass of Iron Filings (in

grams) added to the Copper Sulphate.

Plan:

1. Collect all appropriate apparatus and then set up.

2. Carefully pour 20cm³ of Copper Sulphate into a beaker.

3. Place a sheet of filter paper on to the scales and then set scales

to zero.

4. Measure out 0.5g of Iron Filings on to the filter paper by reading

the scales.

5. Pour the Iron Filings into the beaker whilst simultaneously

starting the stopwatch.

6. Whilst the stopwatch is running, fold the filter paper so that it

fits into the filter funnel.

7. When 3 minutes has gone, stop the stopwatch and pour all of the

Iron Filings into the filter funnel and allow to filter.

8. When the Copper Sulphate has filtered out, take out the filter

paper and allow it to dry.

9. Repeat from step 2 using new Copper Sulphate, but change the

variable to 0.75g, and then 1.0g.

* Carry out experiment twice or three times to gain reliable results.

Prediction: For the experiment I predict that as the amount of Iron

Filings are increased, the amount of copper displaced should also

increase because it should be proportional to the masses of iron

filings used. Also, the metal should weigh more after it has been in

the Copper sulphate as Iron is more reactive than copper and should

displace it from the solution.

Iron + Copper Sulphate → Copper + Iron Sulphate

Fe + CuSO4 → Cu + FeSO4

56g + 160g → 64g + 152g

216g