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InkFlaskCambridge IGCSE

Relative masses

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What this model shows

The balance readings are calculated from the relative formula masses, 250 and 160, to 0.01 g: a real balance gives slightly different numbers each time. Real anhydrous copper(II) sulfate slowly takes up water from the air while it cools, and very strong heating breaks it down to black copper(II) oxide.

The steam is drawn as a mist. The first heating leaves a blue core on purpose, so the second heating shows why we heat to constant mass. The magnified formula unit isn’t to scale, and its colours are only labels. The waits are shortened.

With reduced motion, each step finishes at once.

Select a piece of equipment, on the bench or here, to read about it in the card.