In this experiment students carry out an investigation
similar to what is conducted within industrial laboratories.
Information and directions are provided for the experiment
which investigates the recovery of copper metal from ore
using solvent extraction. It includes background information
on the industrial process and chemistry involved, as well as
notes for teachers.
QRC wishes to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of Bob
Hannah Senior Lecturer, Chemical and Metallurgical
Engineering Program, School of Engineering, The University of
Queensland and Rick Morrow Science Head of Department of
Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy school Marist College
Ashgrove in the preparation of this experiment.
Educational value statement
- Provides practical examples to illustrate chemical
equilibrium and Le Chatelier’s Principle.
- Allows students to carry out authentic laboratory work as
applied in industry.
- Can be downloaded as a PDF or MSWord file.
Key learning objectives
- Students use solvent extraction to isolate and
concentrate a solute.
- Students construct graphs to represent data and analyse
them for trends and patterns.
- Students investigate how chemistry can be used to produce
useful substances such as copper.
Strands
- Science Understanding: Chemical sciences
- Science Inquiry Skills: Planning and conducting;
Processing and analysing data and information.