Belair High School

Subject: CSEC Chemistry

Name: ________________________
Date: ___/___/___ Grade: ___ All You Need to Know!
Lab Write-up Sheet
Topic: Electrolysis
Skills: ORR, AI
Title: “Electrolysis of Aqueous Electrolytes using Inert Electrodes”

The students will observe the electrolysis of copper (ll) sulphate solution using graphite electrodes. An
investigation will then be conducted into the products formed and the pH of the electrolyte. A focused

Apparatus: beaker, two graphite electrodes, two insulated wires, crocodile clips, ammeter

Diagram of Apparatus:

graphite anode graphite cathode

Method/ Procedure: Set up the apparatus are shown in the diagram

Complete the circuit by immersing the electrodes in copper (II) sulphate and
ensure that the electrodes are not touching each other.

Switch on the power supply

Record all observations over a period of 15 minutes.

Discussion:

What is electrolysis?

What was the electrolyte in this investigation?

What is the purpose of each of the following: battery, electrodes, connecting wires?

Define the terms anode and cathode.

Write balanced chemical equations for the reactions occurring at the i) cathode ii) anode. Write brief
notes explaining what is occurring at each electrode in the electrolysis of copper (II) sulphate using inert
electrodes.

Explain what is happening within the electrolyte during this investigation:

i) Identify which anions and cations are preferentially discharged

ii) Is the pH of the electrolyte lower or higher at the end of the process? Why is this so?
iii) Is the electrolyte paler or brighter at the end of the process?

Data Analysis: Calculate the mass of copper formed if the electrolytic cell were left to run for 1 hour
Belair High School
Subject: CSEC Chemistry
Name: ________________________
Date: ___/___/___ Grade: ___ All You Need to Know!
Lab Write-up Sheet
Topic: Electrolysis
Skills: ORR, AI
Title: “Electrolysis of Aqueous Electrolytes using Active Electrodes”

The students will observe the electrolysis of copper (ll) sulphate solution using copper electrodes. An
investigation will then be conducted into the products formed and the pH of the electrolyte. A focused

Apparatus: beaker, two copper electrodes, two insulated wires, crocodile clips, ammeter

Diagram of Apparatus:

Method/ Procedure: Set up the apparatus are shown in the diagram

Complete the circuit by immersing the electrodes in copper (II) sulphate and
ensure that the electrodes are not touching each other.

Switch on the power supply

Record all observations over a period of 15 minutes.

Discussion:

What is electrolysis?

What was the electrolyte in this investigation?

What is the purpose of each of the following: battery, electrodes, connecting wires?

Define the terms anode and cathode.

Write balanced chemical equations for the reactions occurring at the i) cathode ii) anode. Write brief
notes explaining what is occurring at each electrode in the electrolysis of copper (II) sulphate using
active electrodes.
Explain what is happening within the electrolyte during this investigation:

i) Identify which anions and cations are preferentially discharged (if any)
ii) Is the pH of the electrolyte lower or higher at the end of the process? Why is this so?
iii) Is the electrolyte paler or brighter at the end of the process?

Data Analysis: Calculate the mass of copper formed if the electrolytic cell were left to run for 1 hour