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Why Must The CuO Precipitate In The Funnel Be Thoroughly Washed With Water?

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Connor Sephton answered
Copper Oxide, also known as tenorite, is a compound commonly used in pigments. In its purest form, it can be very damaging to a person's health. It causes severe irritation when exposed to the skin, eyes, mouth, nostrils, ears or other orifices. It can kill off the body's healthy cells resulting in brain damage, heart failure, lung failure, and negative effects to the immune system. It can even cause blood diseases to arise.

Copper is an essential element that humans need in very small amounts to survive, but too much can cause serious harm and damage to the body. Metal poisoning can occur easily because the amount of metal a person requires in their bloodstream is somewhat close to the level of overdose. Washing the funnel thoroughly will prevent the harmful compound from contaminating other compounds and from being exposed to humans or animals.

When you are conducting experiments or research with chemicals, it is very important to keep your tools clean. If you are capable of working in a lab with these substances, you are likely trained on how to keep your tools clean. This prevents one chemical compound tainting the compound you are working with. Even the smallest amount of precipitate on the funnel can cause problems for every chemical you use the funnel with afterwards. Mixing the two compounds can result in a botched experiment or even the production of a dangerous substance.

Some botched experiments turn out to be a good thing. An example would be silly putty. Most botched experiments, however, turn out to be either useless or dangerous. Anything that is created by using a contaminated tool, such as a funnel, must be deemed hazardous and disposed of properly. This is why it is of the highest importance you thoroughly wash the funnel with water.

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