2Al + 3CuCl2 -> 3Cu + 2AlCl3 Mass of Cu = ?

[Strawberry123]

URGENT:Sources of Error that Impact the Percentage Yield

This is my chem lab on the reaction 2Al + 3CuCl2 --> 3Cu + 2AlCl3.

So my question is:
1. What sources of error in the experiment would affect the percentage yield of reaction?
2. In what ways this experiment could be improved?


Purpose: to find the percentage yield of copper in the reaction.

Procedure:
1. Add enough distilled water to dissolve the 0.51 g of CuCl2 (s) in the beaker.
2. Record the colour of the resulting solution.
3. Measure out 0.25 g of the aluminum and add this to your solution.
4. Leave the beaker on your lab desk and allow the reaction to go to completion.
5. When the reaction is completed, record your observations.
6. Use the forceps to collect all copper formed. Carefully transfer the copper to a beaker and rinse the copper with water.
7. Pour off as much of the rinse water as possible. Spread the copper on the bottom of the beaker.
8. Cover the beaker containing the wet copper with a watch glass and gently heat the beaker on a hot plate to dry the copper. Reduce heat if the copper begins to turn black.
9. When the copper is dry completely, determine the mass of copper.


Thanks Millions! Please help! I'd really appreciate it! =]

 

[Nino MMP]

1. Sources of error that could affect the percentage yield of reaction include:-Insufficient mixing of reactants, leading to incomplete reaction-Inaccurate mass measurement of the reactants or products-Contamination of reagents or products-Loss of product due to improper handling (e.g. spilling, vaporization)-Inaccurate timing of the reaction-Incomplete transfer of the products from one container to another2. Ways to improve the experiment include:-Conducting the experiment in a fume hood to avoid contamination and vaporization-Using precise mass measurements of reactants and products-Ensuring complete mixing of the reactants-Using an accurate timer to measure the duration of the reaction-Using appropriate safety equipment while transferring the products from one container to another