A student performed an experiment to determine the ratio of $H_{2} O$ to ${CuSO}_{4}$ in a sample of hydrated copper(II) sulphate by heating it to drive off the water and weighing the solid before and after heating. The formula obtained experimentally was ${CuSO}_{4}$ . $5.5 H_{2} O$ but the accepted formula is ${CuSO}_{4}$ . $5 H_{2} O$ Which error best accounts for the difference in results?

see full answer

Start JEE / NEET / Foundation preparation at rupees 99/day !!

21% of IItians & 23% of AIIMS delhi doctors are from Sri Chaitanya institute !!

An Intiative by Sri Chaitanya

The student used a balance that gave weights that were consistently too high by 0.10g

The student weighed out too much sample initially.

The hydrated sample was not heated long enough to drive off all the water.

During heating some of the hydrated copper(II) sulphate was lost.

answer is A.

(Unlock A.I Detailed Solution for FREE)

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Check your Performance Today with our Free Mock Test used by Toppers!

Take Free Test

Detailed Solution

During heating, some of the hydrated copper(II) sulphate was lost. When heated, hydrated copper sulphate loses its five crystallizing water molecules, turning from a blue substance to an anhydrous, colourless substance.

Hence the correct option is A

Watch 3-min video & get full concept clarity

Result Producing online coaching for JEE/NEET of south India

Largest All India Test Series for JEE/NEET

Best Books for IIT JEE

Best Books for NEET

How to Join IIT after 10th

Get Expert Academic Guidance – Connect with a Counselor Today!

Result Producing online coaching for JEE/NEET of south India

Largest All India Test Series for JEE/NEET

Best Books for IIT JEE

Best Books for NEET

How to Join IIT after 10th