Separating Solutions

Aim: To separate a solute from a solvent in a solution using evaporation.

Equipment: Copper sulfate solution, 250 ml beaker, heatproof mat, an evaporating basin. Bunsen burner, tripod, gauze mat.

Method: 

1. Set up the Bunsen burner, tripod and gauze mat. Don't place the Bunsen burner under the tripod yet.
2. Add approximately 50 ml of hot water to your beaker and place it on top of the tripod, on the gauze mat.
3. Add enough copper sulfate solution to quarter fill the evaporating basin.
4. Carefully place the evaporating basin on the top of the beaker.
5. Light your Bunsen burner. Open the air hole and gently push the Bunsen burner under the tripod.
6. Heat the solution until most of the solvent has been evaporated and crystals of solute are forming.
7. Turn off your Bunsen 

Result: The copper sulfate evaporated and left a beautiful blue crystal behind.

Discussion: The water solvent from the copper sulfate evaporated by the Bunsen burner (at the water in the beaker) into steam and. The copper sulfate itself is the solution. Once all the solvent evaporated form the solution, we were left with the solvent which was the crystal-like rocks. It was a beautiful blue colour.