Formation of a Copper Mirror

1. Formation of a Copper Mirror A copper mirror appears on the inside of a test tube when chemicals are mixed

2. Purpose • To show how to make a copper mirror using hydrazine hydrate and copper (II) acetate. SDSMT

3. Demonstration • A large test tube and a 250mL beaker to set the test tube in were the equipment used • Copper (II) acetate was added to the test tube. Hydrazine hydrate was next added to the test tube. • The test tube was rotated slowly while being being heated gently over a micro-Bunsen burner. • After the solution was heated for 1-2 minutes copper metal plated out on the inside of the test tube.

4. Concepts • Organic Compounds • Endothermic Reactions • Redox Reactions

5. Inorganic Compounds • Inorganic Compound - Compound that is not carbon-based. • The inorganic compound used in this experiment was hydrazine hydrate (molecular formula is H2NNH2 · x H2O). • Hydrazine hydrate is a reducing agent which means that it loses electron and is oxidized SDSMT

6. Endothermic Reactions • Endothermic Reaction - a reaction that absorbs heat from the surroundings. • In this demonstration heat was added to provide enough energy to cause the reaction to occur. A microburner was the heat source. SDSMT

7. Redox Reactions • Redox Reaction Oxidation-is the loss of electrons by a substance. Reduction-is the gain of electrons by a substance. • These happen simultaneously in a redox reaction. Ca + (s) + 2H+ (aq) —› Ca2+ (aq) + H2 (g) • Ca (s) is oxidized since it loses electrons and 2H+ is reduced since it gains electrons. • In this demonstration the following happens: Cu2+ + 2e- —› Cu • The Cu2+ is reduced since it gains electrons. • The hydrazine hydrate gives up its electrons and becomes nitrogen gas, N2 SDSMT

8. Conclusion • A copper mirror was made using hydrazine hydrate and copper (II) acetate SDSMT

9. Comments Hydrazine hydrate has also been used as a rocket fuel because of its ability to convert to nitrogen gas and provide thrust for rockets