Ever wondered how everyday materials can create fascinating chemical reactions? In this experiment, we’ll combine copper (II) sulfate and aluminum, and witness a dramatic redox reaction — with a surprising catalyst: table salt! (see how table salt speeds up the reaction!). This reaction is a great way to visualize electron transfer, metal reactivity, and the power of chemistry in action.

🔬 Perfect for: High school students, homeschoolers, and science lovers who enjoy safe, hands-on chemistry. 

Why This Experiment Is Great for Students

• Easy setup with household materials

• Visual proof of redox chemistry

• Sparks curiosity and hands-on learning

Whether you’re a science teacher or a parent looking for a creative activity, this experiment is an excitingway to explore real chemistry. 

Discover a fun and safe redox experiment using copper sulfate and aluminum foil! 

Redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions involve the transfer of electrons between substances. In this experiment, aluminum (Al) is oxidized, and copper ions (Cu²⁺) are reduced — and we use table salt to catalyze the process!

🔬 Science Behind the Reaction

Here’s what happens in chemical terms:

Word Equation:
Copper (II) sulfate + Aluminum → Aluminum sulfate + Copper
Balanced Chemical Equation:
3CuSO₄ + 2Al → Al₂(SO₄)₃ + 3Cu

• Aluminum loses electrons (oxidation)

• Copper ions gain electrons (reduction)

• Chloride ions (Cl⁻) from table salt speed up the reaction by disrupting the aluminum oxide layer.

What’s Happening? 🔍
This is a redox reaction, where aluminum is oxidized (loses electrons) and copper is reduced (gains electrons). The chloride ions (from the table salt) help break down the protective oxide layer on aluminum, making the reaction possible to observe 

🧪 Materials You'll Need

Tip: You can find copper sulfate at gardening or aquarium supply stores.

⚠️ Safety First

Always wear safety goggles, gloves, and a lab coat. Avoid skin contact with copper sulfate. Adult supervision is recommended.

Procedure:

1. Pour 25 grams of copper (II) sulfate and 100ml distilled water into a beaker to prepare a solution 

2. Add a pinch of table salt (NaCl). This provides chloride ions (Cl⁻) that act as a catalyst in the reaction.

3. Drop in a piece of aluminum foil or many pieces of small aluminum plates.

4. Observe the beaker: You’ll notice bubbling, heat release, and a reddish layer forming — that’s pure copper! (Almost)