IAPS Chemistry of Materials: Activity 23 “Producing Circuit Boards”

Key Words: Circuit Board, Etch

Getting Started:

1. Watch the video link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAa-HWD-zeg

2. Predict what will happen if we insert a piece of plastic between the clips.

______

______

3. Predict what will happen if we insert a piece of copper-coated plastic between the clips?

______

______

4. Watch the video link below. Explain why each of these materials did or did not light the bulb.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgYXryth46o

______

______

______

______

5. Read the Introduction and Challenge to Activity 23, “Producing Circuit Boards,” in your Student Book on page B-54.

Procedure: 1. Read the procedure on pages B-55 through B-56, Parts A and B, to help you understand the process of etching the circuit board.

2. Watch the video below that shows the etching process being completed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7bUq9ycaXk 3. What do you think happened when you connect the finished circuit boards into the wire circuit?

______

______

______

If copper-containing wastes are released into the environment by dumping or pouring down a drain, they can get into the water supply and affect drinking water. This can accumulate in water supplies and harm humans and animals. Through this activity, you have created toxic waste that now needs to be disposed. For the remainder of the unit, you will explore ways to dispose of this waste.

4. Read “Part C: Reading,” on pages B-56 through B-58 in your Student Book. Complete the “Three-Level Reading Guide: Etching Circuit Boards,” that is attached to this packet, while you read.

Analysis Questions: 1. Describe the changes that occurred during the etching process in: a. the circuit board. b. the copper chloride etching solution

______

______

______

______

2. What do you think should be done with the used copper chloride etching solution?

______

______

______

3. Etching circuit boards creates large volumes of copper-containing toxic waste. What ways can you think of to reduce the amount of copper-containing waste produced in the United States? Hint: You may want to look at Student Sheet 13.1, “Green Chemistry Guidelines,” attached to this packet, to help you think of ways to improve methods of manufacturing. ______

______

______

______

______