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Will cupric sulphate powder plate the same as copper sulphate crystals?

I'm doing a science fair project and I can't find copper sulphate [on eBay or Amazon] crystals for the solution of electroplating copper onto brass and I would like to know if cupric sulphate powder would work the same as copper sulphate crystals?

Thanks

Vy T.
student - Houston, Texas, U.S
2005

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First of two simultaneous responses --

As a rule, powder is the same as crystals, only finer. As long as you work on a weight basis, the only thing to check is whether or not the cupric sulphate is hydrated (CuSO4 vs CuSO4.5H2O)

James Totter, CEF
- Tallahassee, Florida
2005

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

Cupric sulphate (CuSO4) is the technical name for copper sulphate when the copper is divalent. It is normally hydrated and has a blue colour. If the copper sulphate is monovalent (Cu2SO4) it is unstable and a whitish colour. You can (and should!) use cupric sulphate for copper plating.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2005

Try www.wardsci.com they supply chemicals for use in classroom and science projects. They should have what you are after.

Marc Banks
- Elizabeth City, North Carolina
2005