How do you separate insoluble copper oxide from a solution?

To separate insoluble copper oxide from a solution, you should use a process of dilution and filtration. Since copper oxide is slightly non-polar, it's insoluble in water, whereas many other copper compounds, like copper sulfate, are soluble.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Add Distilled Water: Add distilled water to the mixture containing the copper oxide and the soluble substance (e.g., copper sulfate solution). This will help to further dissolve the soluble components while leaving the copper oxide as a solid suspension.

2. Filtration: Filter the mixture. The insoluble copper oxide will be trapped on the filter paper as a residue, while the solution containing the dissolved substance will pass through as the filtrate.

   • Filtration Setup: Use a funnel lined with filter paper to separate the solid copper oxide from the liquid.
   • Collection: Collect the filtrate in a clean container.

3. Evaporation (Optional): If you need to recover the dissolved substance from the filtrate, evaporate the water until the solution is saturated. This will cause the dissolved substance to crystallize out.

Here's a table summarizing the process:

Step	Description	Rationale
1. Dilution	Add distilled water to the mixture.	To ensure maximum dissolution of the soluble component.
2. Filtration	Pour the mixture through a filter paper in a funnel.	To physically separate the insoluble copper oxide from the solution.
3. Evaporation (if needed)	Heat the filtrate to evaporate the water.	To recover the soluble substance from the solution if required.

This method leverages the difference in solubility between copper oxide and other substances in the solution to achieve separation.