Blue Vitriol: Chemical Name Identification

Blue vitriol is a widely recognized common name for a specific chemical compound. Identifying its correct chemical name is crucial for chemistry assessments.

Identifying the Chemical Compound

• The substance known as blue vitriol is characterized by its distinct blue crystalline appearance.
• This common name specifically refers to the hydrated form of copper(II) sulfate.
• Therefore, the precise chemical name is Copper Sulphate.
• The chemical formula is often written as $CuSO_4 \cdot 5H_2O$.

Evaluating the Options

• Aluminium is a metallic element (symbol Al).
• Potassium nitrate ($KNO_3$) is a salt used in fertilizers and explosives.
• Copper Sulphate ($CuSO_4$, often as the pentahydrate) matches the description and common name of blue vitriol.
• Argon (Ar) is an inert gas.

Based on the common association and chemical identity, Copper Sulphate is the correct chemical name for blue vitriol.