Make crystals of different compounds (common salt, epsom salt, sugar, borax, nickel sulfate, etc.). Observe them under a magnifying glass or a microscope. Note down their colours and shapes.
To make crystals of different compounds, we use the process of crystallization. First, we prepare a saturated solution by adding a compound, like copper sulfate, to water and heating it. The hot solution is filtered to remove insoluble impurities and collected in a clean beaker.
The solution is then covered and allowed to cool slowly without being disturbed. Slow cooling provides enough time for the particles in the solution to come together, resulting in the formation of larger, shiny, and well-shaped crystals. Rapid cooling leads to smaller and less well-formed crystals.
When observed under a magnifying glass or a microscope, the crystals display distinct colours and shapes. For example, copper sulfate crystals are blue-coloured and well-shaped. We also see crystals in everyday life, such as rock salt and sugar crystals (mishri).
By repeating this process for common salt, epsom salt, borax, and nickel sulfate, we can note their specific colours and shapes. Each compound forms unique crystals, which is a common technique for the purification of solids and separation of pure substances from homogeneous mixtures.
Explanation
The provided context details the process of crystallization using copper sulfate as the primary example, explicitly stating its color (blue) and shape (well-shaped, larger, shiny when cooled slowly). While the question asks to note the colors and shapes of other compounds like common salt, epsom salt, borax, and nickel sulfate, the text does not provide the specific colors or shapes for these substances. Therefore, the answer correctly focuses on the general process of crystallization and the specific observations available in the text for copper sulfate, while acknowledging the other compounds as part of the activity.