Science: Separating a Mixture using Evaporation

Hi there!

Today I will be writing about what I did in Science. 

Separating a Mixture using Evaporation:

Aim: Separating a liquid using evaporation.

Hypothesis: I think that the copper sulfate solution will crystallize when it is placed on the element after being heated for a couple of minutes. I don't know why I think this.

Equipment: Copper sulfate solution, 250mL Beaker, heat proof mat, evaporating basin, element. 

Method: 

1. Set up element
2. Add 100mL of hot water to the beaker and place on the element.
3. Add copper sulfate to the evaporating basin until it is quarter full.
4. Carefully, place the the evaporating basin on top of the beaker. 
5. Turn on the element to 8
6. Heat the solution until most of the solvent has been evaporated and crystals of solute are forming. 
7. Turn off the element- careful not to touch as will be hot for a long time.

Observations: I saw the water in the beaker start to simmer and slowly come to a boil. Condensation appeared on the sides of the beaker and evaporation basin filled with the copper sulfate solution (which was blue), after a while the copper sulfate solution started to evaporate until almost none was in the basin.

Conclusion: No, my hypothesis wasn't correct, no crystals appeared.

Discussion: After placing the beaker and evaporating basin filled with the copper sulfate solution on the element at heat 8 we recorded what happened as it was on the element. The water in the beaker started to bubble and boil and the sides. The sides were also covered in condensation. The copper sulfate solution slowly evaporated from the basin and what was left was a thin, dry layer of the solution.

Evaluation: Yes, I enjoyed the experiment. I enjoyed it because it was interesting to see the copper sulfate solution slowly evaporate from the basin. Something I would change is how long we had to do the experiment.

Thanks for reading!