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Activity 1.10 — CuO + H₂
NCERT Activity 1.10: Pass hydrogen gas over heated copper oxide (CuO). Observe the colour change (black → red-brown) and the formation of water droplets — a redox reaction.
How To Perform
1
Add Copper Oxide
Place black CuO powder in a boiling tube.
2
Pass Hydrogen Gas
Set up a steady H₂ flow over the powder. Flush out air first.
3
Heat the Tube
Once H₂ is flowing, heat the CuO with a burner.
4
Observe
Black powder → red-brown Cu; water droplets form on the cooler walls.
5
Classify
CuO is reduced; H₂ is oxidised. Oxidation + reduction = redox.
⚠️ Safety Notes
- •⚠️ Hydrogen + air mixtures are EXPLOSIVE. Flush the tube with H₂ before lighting the burner.
- •Never light the H₂ gas itself as it exits the tube.
- •Use a flame arrestor and perform in a well-ventilated lab.