Source: Extra Practice

Describe the process of crystallization of copper sulphate from its solution. Is this a physical or chemical change? Justify your answer.

Model Answer

Crystallization is a process used to obtain pure solid substances from their solutions in the form of crystals. To crystallize copper sulphate, one would typically heat a solution of copper sulphate and then allow it to cool slowly. As the solution cools, pure copper sulphate starts separating out as crystals. This is a physical change. It is considered a physical change because no new chemical substance is formed; only the physical state of copper sulphate changes from being dissolved in water to forming solid crystals. The chemical composition of copper sulphate (CuSO4CuSO_4) remains unchanged throughout the process.

Explanation

Key points for grading:

  1. Brief description of the crystallization process (e.g., heating solution, slow cooling).
  2. Correctly identifies it as a physical change.
  3. Justification: no new substance is formed, only change in state/form.
  4. Chemical composition remains the same (CuSO4CuSO_4).