Creating copper

Competition or displacement reactions are used to introduce patterns in reactivity. Demonstrations commonly include the thermite reaction, and a range of metals with copper(II) oxide. While the thermite reaction provides an unforgettable spectacle, the smoldering beauty of the reaction between zinc metal and copper(II) oxide provides a number of learning opportunities and links with further demonstrations associated with acid–base chemistry, properties of metals, metal extraction and purification.

This reaction fits nicely into any introductory sequence associated with metal extraction, redox or the activity/reactivity series.

With accompanying power point slides, technicians notes and video, Declan Fleming presents a demonstration on creating copper, from preparation to experiment and how to fit this into a series of lessons.