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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 [affil link] 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
student - Houston, Texas, U.S
2005
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
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
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