Factors Affecting Solution Formation: An Inquiry-Based Approach—ChemTopic™ Lab Activity

Copper sulfate is an important agricultural chemical mixed into animal feeds to prevent copper deficiency in farm animals and sprayed on plants to control fungal diseases. Although copper sulfate is soluble in water, the rate at which it dissolves changes depending on the conditions. With the Factors Affecting Solution Formation: An Inquiry-Based Approach—ChemTopic™ Lab Activity, students investigate the effects of crystal size, degree of mixing and temperature on the rate at which copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate dissolves in water.