The best way to establish information about temperature change would be to record the temperature at each stage of the experiment. Since there is unlikely to be any reaction before the sodium chloride is added, you would also not expect to see any change in the temperature (besides adjustment to room temperature if the starting reactants were stored in a different location).
Hi - there are two reactions taking place. Firstly the reaction between sodium chloride and aluminium oxide (on the surface of the foil). Then a reaction between the aluminium and copper sulfate. For support with equations for metal displacement reactions watch the section on these reactions in the video here https://edu.rsc.org/practical/reactivity-of-metals-practical-videos-14-16-years/4012974.article and use the worksheet in the supporting resources booklet.
As described in the teaching notes, the chloride ions from the addition of sodium chloride disturb the oxide layer on the surface of the aluminium foil allowing the displacement reaction to take place.
Is there temperature change before sodium chloride is added
Unsuitable or offensive? Report comment