Calculating Mass of Oxygen from CuO and Cu

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To determine the mass of oxygen from the provided data, the correct approach is to subtract the mass of copper (1.7065g) from the mass of copper(II) oxide (CuO, 2.0g). This calculation yields a mass of oxygen of 0.2935g. However, there are concerns about the completeness of the problem statement and the context of the experiment. It's important to clarify whether the copper was obtained through the reduction of the oxide or if the oxide was formed from the copper. Additionally, some participants emphasized the need for accuracy in calculations, including consideration of significant figures, and suggested calculating moles to ensure proper understanding of the chemical relationships involved. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of clarity in experimental procedures and the correct application of stoichiometric principles in chemistry.
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Here's what I have:
Mass of CuO (copper (II) oxide) = 2.0g
Mass of Cu(metal) = 1.7065g

What I need to find is the mass of oxygen by using the two given above. Do I just do 2.0g-1.7065g=.2935 to get the mass of oxygen or do I do something else? :confused:
 
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termite said:
Here's what I have:
Mass of Cu2O (copper II oxide) = 2.0g
Mass of Cu(metal) = 1.7065g

What I need to find is the mass of oxygen by using the two given above. Do I just do 2.0g-1.7065g=.2935 to get the mass of oxygen or do I do something else? :confused:
I am bad at chemistry but is that the complete problem ? :bigsmile:
 
It is an experiment. Basically from the two numbers given I have to get the mass of oxygen.
 
Cuprous oxide (copper (I) oxide) is Cu20.
Cupric oxide (copper (II) oxide) is CuO.

You seem to have the two confused. You should start by figuring out which compound you're actually working with.

- Warren
 
Sorry for writing CuO incorrectly. Fixed in the initial post.
 
Your experiment won't get good results, or perhaps it will be zero after all, because you-I mean Y.O.U-don't exactly know much about this either..
What professor has taught you the way to get out the oxygen's mass by such a MINUSING ? That professor I think should go and teach gym than instruct his students such a terrible experiment.
I have seen by my eyes an explosion during an experiment of hidrogen and a student in that traggic accident was terribly injured in her two eyes and got blind then on only because of her stupid ****head professor's carelessness.

Sorry, I think you should CHECK out your papers one more time before making up your mind for this and any further testing/experiment.

Me-Motifs
 
If you started with 2.0g of CuO and performed a reaction to reduce it to plain Cu, the mass of oxygen is indeed just the difference in the two masses.

If you are submitting this to an online homework system, make sure you consider the significant figures in your answer.

- Warren
 
Motifs said:
What professor has taught you the way to get out the oxygen's mass by such a MINUSING ? That professor I think should go and teach gym than instruct his students such a terrible experiment...
Motifs,

I will respectfully ask that you not post here unless you are capable of staying on topic.

- Warren
 
chroot said:
Motifs,

I will respectfully ask that you not post here unless you are capable of staying on topic.

- Warren
I know you must be working really hard for your site,
I admittedly also get angry sometimes for "problems" that are brought about unexpectedly like that...
I am sorry, Okay ? :smallsmile:
Regards,too
 
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  • #10
termite said:
Here's what I have:
Mass of CuO (copper (II) oxide) = 2.0g
Mass of Cu(metal) = 1.7065g

What I need to find is the mass of oxygen by using the two given above. Do I just do 2.0g-1.7065g=.2935 to get the mass of oxygen or do I do something else? :confused:

This question is definitely incomplete. If this is a question from a book or homework, post it exactly as stated.

There is no indication here what the relationship between the copper and the CuO is.

Is the copper got from the reduction of the oxide, or is the oxide made from the copper, or is there something else happening here ?
 
  • #11
Hello,

The reaction should be like that: Cu~+~ \frac {1}{2} O_2 \xrightarrow {heat} CuO

So you should first calculate how many moles are there in 2.0 grams of cupric oxide, and learn the mass of oxygen gas from there by using mole-mass equation.

The other mass data about copper may be used to check the calculations, or be used in detecting any impurities of either oxygen gas or copper.
 
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