Required Practicals - Electrolysis

Question 1

What is the goal of the electrolysis practical?

Answer 1

Investigate what happens when two different aqueous solutions are electrolysed using inert electrodes.

Question 2

What is the apparatus list for the electrolysis practical?

Answer 2

-Copper (II) chloride solution
-Sodium chloride solution
-100cm3 beaker
-petri dish
-two carbon rod electrodes
-two crocodile / 4 mm plug leads
-blue litmus paper
-forceps

Question 3

What is the method for the electrolysis practical?

Answer 3

-Pour approximately 50cm3 copper (II) chloride into the beaker
-Add the petri dish lid and insert the carbon rods through the holes. The rods must not touch each other.
-Attach leads to the rods. Connect the rods to the dc terminals of a low voltage power supply.
-Select 4 volts on the power supply and switch on.
-Look at both electrodes and record your initial observations
-Use forceps to hold a piece of blue litmus paper in the solution next to the anode and identify the element.
-Write down all observations.
-Rinse the electrochemical cell and collect a new set of electrodes.
-Repeat the steps using the other solution sodium chloride and complete the following tasks to show your understanding of the chemistry of electrolysis.