How and why does the colour of copper carbonate change when it is heated?

Question

How and why does the colour of copper carbonate change when it is heated?

Question #75153. Asked by ilovepuppies.

Related Trivia Topics: Colors

JaneofGaunt

Answer has 10 votes

Currently Best Answer

JaneofGaunt

23 year member
556 replies avatar

Answer has 10 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

Some carbonates change colour during thermal decomposition, which means the compound breaks down into other substances when heated.

copper carbonate [CuCO3(s)] plus heat gives copper oxide [CuO(s)] + carbon dioxide [ CO2(g)]

Copper carbonate is green and becomes copper oxide which is black.

http://www.gcsescience.com/f19.htm

Jan 29 2007, 10:12 PM

Sign in or Create Free User ID to participate in the discussion

Answer 1

Another possible cause is the loss of water. Copper carbonate is usually found in hydrated form (various different hydrations, giving different shades of colour). As with copper sulphate, the colour will change when this water is driven off. Further heating will lead to the decomposition of the substance, as Jane says.

Answer 2

ranjit1960
Answer has 9 votes

ranjit1960

Answer has 9 votes.

why does the copper carbonate change colour when heated? mmmm.... anybody will change colour when really heated up.

Feb 01 2007, 5:26 PM

How and why does the colour of copper carbonate change when it is heated?

Other Similar Questions & Answers

Related FunTrivia Quizzes