CHM171L Physical Chemistry 2 Laboratory

2nd Quarter, S.Y. 2017-2018

Transference Number
Legaspi, Ranaye V., Lojica, Kate M., Maquiling, Kenth Roger A.1, Calderon, Edna J.2
1Students, 2Professor, Physical Chemistry 2 Laboratory, CHM171L B21, School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Mapúa University,
Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Final Report Information
When an electric current is passed through a solution of an electrolyte,
the anions and cations move with characteristic speeds toward the
Performed 04 November 2017 anode and cathode. These speeds vary with magnitude of the applied
Submitted 11 November 2017
voltage, temperature, and nature of the individual ions. The mobility of
an ion is defined as its velocity in the direction of an electric field of unit
Keywords:
strength, and although it is an important factor in many electrochemical
phenomena, it is more convenient to use a quantity called the
Transference Number transference number defined as the fraction of the current carried by
Hittorf’s Method each ion present in a solution. The transference numbers of hydrogen
Phywe Transference Number and nitrate ions at 28oC were determined experimentally using the
Apparatus Hittorf's Method, done through the electrolysis of 0.1 M nitric acid in a
Cation and Anion Phywe Transference Number Apparatus. This method was based on the
Cathode and Anode principle that the concentration changes occur around the electrodes
due to the migration of ions, which was seen explicitly by the change in
the concentration of the nitric acid upon electrolysis by titrating it with
standardized sodium hydroxide and methyl red indicator. Using the
Hittorf Equation, it was determined that the transference numbers of
hydrogen and nitrate ions are 0.8240 and 0.1760, respectively.

INTRODUCTION by the ion through a cross section of an

An electrochemical cell is composed of two
electronic conductors/electrodes and an ionic
conductor (electrolyte). Charge transport in the
cell through the motion of both electrons and ions
happens when electric current is applied through
a solution of an electrolyte [1]. Transference
number (or transport number) is the fraction of
the total current carried by an ion during
electrolysis. It is associated with the ionic mobility
defined as the speed in which the ion moves
under the same potential gradient [2]. In general,
an anion and a cation can carry different amount
of current during electrolysis.
Transference number is a quantity that can be
used in calculations involving electrochemical
processes. It is the quotient of the current carried
electrolytic solution to the total current passing
through the specific cross section. It is also the
ratio of the velocity/mobility, of a given ion to the
sum of the velocities/motilities of the cation and
anion. Temperature, concentration and
velocity/mobility of the ions in the electrolytic
solution are factors that affect the transport
number.
𝐼+ 𝐼−
𝑡+ = 𝑜𝑟 𝑡− =
𝐼 𝐼
If one mole of current passed through a cell, the
amount of ions elated in the electrolyte is
equivalent to 1 mole [3]. Therefore, the
electrochemical change at each electrode is
proportional to the amount of current applied.

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𝑡+ + 𝑡− = 1
Ion transport yields to either an accumulation of
negative or positive charges, thus causing
movement from the anode to the cathode. Ionic
mobility is defined as the speed through which
ions are shifted in a solution. It is also formally
defined as the limiting velocity of anion with
respect to the direction of an electric field of unit
strength. Molar conductivity is proportional to the
ionic mobility and also to the concentration and
charge of the ion. Conductivity (λ) is a quantity
that is acquired by experimentation while the
ionic mobility (u) is a theoretical quantity, both of
which can be utilized to show transference
numbers [4].
For ionic mobility:
𝑢+ 𝑢−
𝑡+ = 𝑜𝑟 𝑡− =
𝑢+ + 𝑢− 𝑢+ + 𝑢−
For molar conductivity:
𝜆+ 𝜆−
𝑡+ = 𝑜𝑟 𝑡− =
𝜆+ + 𝜆− 𝜆+ + 𝜆−
Transport number can be determined using
different method like Hittorf’s method, moving
boundary method, EMF method, and from ionic
mobility. In the experiment, Hittorf’s method is
used wherein the mobility of ions during
electrolysis can be observed by getting the
measurement of change in the amount of
electrolyte in both electrodes. Cations and anions
contribute in transporting the charge in
electrolytic processes, in accordance with the
distinction in the mobility of ions. The principle
behind this method is that the concentration
changes occur around the electrodes due to the
Experiment 3 | Group 6 | November 11, 2017
migration of ions. The apparatus used consists of
a U-shaped tube, connected on one side to the
“anode limb” and on the other side to the
“cathode limb”.
Figure 1. Hittorf transference setup for the determination of
transference number. Retrieved November 09, 2017 from
http://users.metu.edu.tr/chem355/assets/4-355-Hittorf.pdf
The concentration loss in an electrode is
proportional to the mobility of the ion moving
away from the electrode while the electrolysis is
occurring. That is, even if only cations are
moving, the same number of positive and
negative charges will be discharged to their
electrodes [6]. The transference numbers
through Hittorf Method is done by means of
titration of solutions within the anode and
cathode compartments v.s. the central
compartment which serves as the reference (no
change in concentration must be observed). This
experiment aims to relate the ionic mobility and
size of the hydrogen and nitrate ions to their
transport numbers through Hittorf method.
EXPERIMENTAL SECTION
a.) Preparation of Reagents
Transference number, also known as
transport number, is the fraction of the total
electrical current carried in an electrolyte by a
given ionic species. In the experiment, the
transport numbers of hydrogen and nitrate ions
were determined through the Hittorf’s Method
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which is based on the measurements of ion
concentration changes near the electrodes using
0.1 M Nitric Acid, a highly corrosive mineral acid.
The determination of the concentration of nitric
acid was done by titrating the sample with 0.1 M
of standard sodium hydroxide solution with
methyl red as an indicator.
Other reagents used in the experiment
were 0.5 M copper sulfate-sulfuric acid mixture
which was used as the half-cell solution for the
cathode and anode of the coulometer, and water
and acetone used to wash the copper electrodes
of the coulometer.
b.) Experimental Set-up
A set-up called the Phywe Transference
Number Apparatus set-up was introduced in the
experiment to determine the transference
number of hydrogen and nitrate ions, as shown in
the figure below:
The temperature during the reaction must be
measured.
The W-tube was then fixed to the
supported rod, filled with 0.1 molar HNO3 up to
the external water level. After hanging the carbon
electrodes in position, the electrolyte level in the
three legs of the W-tube are adjusted to the
same level, and was marked with a waterproof
laboratory pencil. Subsequently, the transference
vessel is lowered until the markings are
submerged in the bath fluid to ensure sufficient
temperature control.
The cathode and anode of the
coulometer consisting of two pieces of copper
onto the electrode holder with the knurled screws
were then weighed and immersed into a 250 mL
beaker filled with a solution of 0.5 molar CuSO4
and H2SO4. The coulometer, transference vessel,
and the multirange meter were then connected in
a series, then into the universal power supply
using connection cables.
For the titration of the nitric acid, 50 mL
burette, burette clamp, iron stand, and 250 mL
Erlenmeyer flasks were used.

Figure 1. Phywe Transference Number Apparatus

which consists of (1) Universal Power Supply (2)

Transference vessel (3) Iron stand (4) Coulometer (5)
Multirange Meter.

The Phywe Transference Number

Apparatus set-up was done using a double U-
tube with frits and cock, which serves as the
transference vessel. This vessel was immersed
up to approximately 2 cm below the lateral
connecting the tubes in the water-filled beaker,
Figure 2. Titration Set-Up
which serves as a temperature controlling bath.

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c.) Methodology In the Hittorf’s Method, the electrolysis is

carried out in a cell with an anode, central and a
After completing the Phywe cathode. After the electrolysis, the change in the
Transference Number Apparatus set-up, the concentration of the anode and cathode was
electrolysis for 60 to 90 minutes was performed calculated by titrating the solution with
at approximately, while ensuring that the current standardized sodium hydroxide solution and
intensity is nearly constant. The exact duration of methyl red indicator.
the electrolysis was measured using a stopwatch.
The transference number of nitrate ion
During this time, the initial concentration of the was calculated using
nitric acid was determined by titration 5 mL of the
sample with 0.1 M NaOH using methyl red as an 𝑀𝑊𝐶𝑢 − (∆𝑛𝑐𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑒 − ∆𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑒 )
𝑡−
indicator. The endpoint was achieved when the 𝑧(∆𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑒 − ∆𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑒 )
color of the solution turns from red to yellow.
where z is the charge number (2), the change in
At the end of the electrolysis period, 5 the mass is the difference in the mass of the
mL samples in the anode and cathode regions of copper electrolytes upon electrolysis, and the
the transference vessel were taken as quickly as change in the amount n is defined as
possible while the electric field was still being
𝑐𝑣𝑐𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑒 (𝑣1𝑐𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑒 − 𝑣1𝑜 )
applied. The concentrations of the samples were ∆𝑛𝑐𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑒 =
also determined using the same titration 𝑣2
𝑐𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑒 (𝑣1𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑒 − 𝑣1𝑜 )
technique, and the electric circuit was ∆𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑒 =
𝑣2
immediately interrupted after the titration.
where c is the concentration of sodium hydroxide
Finally, the copper electrodes of the
used (0.1M), 𝑣 is the volume of the cathode or
coulometer were washed carefully with water and anode region, 𝑣1 is the volume of the titrant used
acetone. After drying them in air, the weight of after electrolysis, 𝑣1𝑜 is the volume of NaOH
the copper electrodes were measured to used before electrolysis, and 𝑣2 iis the volume of
determine the mass change. After drying the the sample used (5 mL).
transference vessel, the marked volume of the
cathode and anode regions were determined by For the transference number of the
hydrogen ion,
filling them with water, considering the fluid
displacement by the immersed electrodes. 𝑡+ = 1 − 𝑡−
d.) Treatment of Results
RESULTS
The determination of the transference
Table 1. Weight of Copper Plates Before and After
numbers of nitrate and hydrogen ions was made
Electrolysis (g)
using the Hittorf's Method which is based on the W1 W2
changes occurring on both regions of the anode
Left 1.348 1.290
and cathode.
Right 1.475 1.494

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Table 2. Volume of NaOH used and Volume of W- connected to a power supply, a coulometer
tube (mL) containing two copper plate electrodes, and a
Volume NaOH Volume W-tube multimeter range. The experimental values of the
Left 3.9 24 transference number depends on the change of
Right 3.1 26 concentration of the nitric acid and the amounts
Original 3.7 in the cathode and anode before and after
electrolysis.
Table 3. Transference Numbers of Ions
Values using q1 During electrolysis, the current and amounts
Literature carried by the anions and cations are
experimental at Percent error
values at proportional to their speed. The transport number
28°C (%)
25°C
of an ion is the ratio of the current carried by the
ion to the total current, and the current carried by
t+ 0.8300 0.8240 0.7229 an ion is its speed of migration. In the anode
t− 0.1700 0.1760 3.5294 compartment of the Hittorf Cell, the hydrogen
electrode dissolves and increases the hydrogen
ion amount in its compartment from an initial
DISCUSSION amount of hydrogen ions. However, some
a. Legaspi, Ranaye V. hydrogen ions migrate towards cathode using the
middle compartment as a bridge. At the same
Transference number is the fraction of the total rate that the hydrogen ions are removed by
electrical current carried in an electrolyte by a deposition in the cathode compartment, the
given ionic species. The differences in the nitrate ions in this compartment migrate to
transport number of different ions arise from the maintain electro-neutrality. The measurement of
differences in how fast they move, referred to as the changes in the concentration in the anode
their ionic mobility. In the case of the experiment compartment after a passage of current in a
where nitric acid was electrolyzed, less than half predetermined time yields the transport numbers
of the current is carried by the positively charged of the cation and anion. After electrolysis, the
hydrogen ions (cations) and more than half is concentration of the anode and cathode
carried by the negatively charged nitrate ions compartment changes, but the concentration of
(anions) because the hydrogen ions are able to the electrolyte in the middle compartment does
move faster, hence hydrogen ions have higher not change.
mobility than nitrate ions. The sum of the
transport numbers for all of the ions in solution is Observing the data gathered in the experiment, it
always equal to one. can be seen that the right leg of the W-tube
gained mass while the left leg lost mass. Since
In the determination of the transference number the electron transfer is from the cathode
of hydrogen and nitrate ions, the Hittorf’s method compartment to the anode compartment, this
was used. This was done using the Phywe means that the portion that lost mass in the
Transference Number Apparatus, wherein a experimental set-up is the cathode (left leg),
transference vessel containing a W-tube is while the one that gained mass is the anode

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(right leg). Theoretically, the mass lost by the
cathode should be equal to the amount gained by
the anode, following the Law of the Conservation
of Mass. However, this is not the case in the
experiment which can be caused by some
experimental errors.
Originally, it took 3.7 mL of standardized NaOH
solution with methyl red indicator to neutralize the
nitric acid, turning it into yellow from red. After
electrolysis, the acid from the right and left leg of
the W-tube reached their endpoint with 3.1 and
3.9 mL of NaOH, respectively. This change in the
concentration around the electrodes is a result of
the passage of current through the electrolyte,
which is, according to the Hittorf Law of Migration
of Ions, is proportional to the speed of the ion
moving away from it. Since the anode loses
electron while the cathode gains electron,
oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction
occurs at the cathode. It can be expected that the
cathode has a higher concentration compared to
the anode.
As the nitric acid is electrolyzed, it dissociates
into hydrogen and nitrate ions. In theory, smaller
ions tend to travel faster while the larger ions
migrate slower. Hence, the hydrogen ions are
expected to migrate to the cathode faster than
the rate that the nitrate ions migrate the anode.
This tells a lot about the mobility of the two ions,
implying that hydrogen has the greater ionic
mobility compared to nitrate.
Mathematically, the transference number of an
anion can be defined as
M (ΔnA − ΔnK )
t− =
zR (ΔmK − ΔmA )
where M is the molar mass of copper, z is the
charge of the ion, ΔnA and ΔnK are the change in
the amount in the anode and cathode, and
Experiment 3 | Group 6 | November 11, 2017
ΔmK and ΔmA are the change in the mass of the
copper plate electrodes.
The quantity Δn for anode (a) and cathode (k)
can be mathematically described as
K
c1 V K (V1k − V1O )
Δn =
V2
which depends on the concentration of the acid
before and after electrolysis. Because the sum of
the transference numbers of the ions in a solution
is unity, the transference number of the cation is
the difference between 1 and the transference
number of the anion.
At a temperature condition of 28oC, the
experimental transference numbers of hydrogen
and nitrate ions are 0.8240 and 0.1760,
respectively. It was expected that the
transference number of hydrogen would be
greater than that of the nitrate ion, since
hydrogen ion has a greater ionic mobility due to
its small size. Comparing the experimental
values to the literature values of the transference
numbers of hydrogen and nitrate ions at 25oC,
that is 0.8300 and 0.1700, the percentage errors
are 0.7229% and 3.5294%. The results obtained
imply that 83% of the current carried by the
electrolysis of the nitric acid is caused by the
hydrogen ions, while the remaining 17% is from
the nitrate ions.
b. Lojica, Kate Ann M.
The ionic mobility can be defined as the speed of
an electric field of unit strength, with both having
the same direction. This ion mobility can be
expected to have a small value, and is vital in
various electrochemical phenomena, to quantify
this; the term transference number is used.
Transference or transport number is the amount
of current that is carried by each of the ions. It
can be determined through several methods
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such as the moving boundary method, wherein
an amount of voltage is applied to allow the
movement of ions, which can be observed
directly at the boundary of two different
electrolyte solutions; aside from this, ionic
mobility, and emf method can be used. However,
for this experiment, Hittorf’s method was
employed. In this technique a U-shaped tube,
which is attached to an anode limb on one side
that is made of silver, and a cathode limb–
platinum metal–on the other, is being utilized.
In an electrolyte solution, the motion of anions
and cations approaching the anode and cathode
is propelled by the passage of current through
the solution. The observed rate of ionic
movements is affected by the magnitude at which
voltage is applied, the temperature, and the ions
that are involved. Under certain conditions, some
type of ions causes no effects on the ionic
mobility of the other ion. For this particular case,
the transference or transport number of hydrogen
and nitrate ion was observed.
Based on literature, the migration of ions results
into a change in concentration and this
phenomenon happens at the electrodes. Thus in
Hittorf’s method, it is important to determine the
weight of the electrodes before and after the
experiment. The data gathered can be seen at
Table 1.
From Table 1, it is evident that the initial weight
of the left copper plate, which was the anode,
has increased after the experiment and that of
the right side, which was the cathode, has
decreased. The increase in weight of the left side
simply indicates that oxidation occurred in there;
consequently, reduction occurred at the right
side.
Table 2 shows the volume of NaOH used and
volume of W tube. The nitric acid that was used
Experiment 3 | Group 6 | November 11, 2017
initially was titrated with NaOH solution, as
electrolysis occurs. The amount of NaOH
solution used during titration was recorded since
it is needed in calculation the transport number of
the ions used. Since ions differ in mobility in an
electric field, both anions and cations are needed
to charge transport. On the other hand, copper
sulfate solution was used since it allows the ions
to move freely, thus, allowing electrolysis to
happen, as electrolysis of the ions occurs, the
acidity of nitric acid changes. In addition, change
of concentration in both left and right sides is also
observed, which is caused by the movement of
ions. Cation has a higher ionic mobility, for this
reason, ions are transported from the anode to
the central region, and lastly to the cathode.
Simultaneously, transport of nitrate ions occur
starting from the cathode towards the anode.
Using the previous data, the transference
number illustrated in Table 3 can be readily
solved using the equation described in figure 3.
Figure 3. Hittorf Equation
At 25ºC (298K), the true value for the
transference number of nitrate and hydrogen ion
are 0.17 and 0.83, respectively; however, the
gathered data slightly deviated. Possible sources
of error might be the inaccurate reading of the
amount of volume used for titration and the
instability of the apparatus. Nevertheless, it can
be observed that hydrogen ion still has a higher
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transference number as expected. Theoretically,
bigger particle tends to move slower as
compared to smaller particle, thus, smaller ions
are expected to move at a faster rate;
consequently, a higher ionic mobility.
c. Maquiling, Kenth Roger A.
The property that the experiment primarily aims
to quantify is the ion-transport number or the
transference number of the nitrate ion and
hydrogen ion: that is, the fraction of the total
current carried by each of the ions. For the
treatment of the data, the initial number of moles
of the hydrogen ion from the stock solution of
nitric acid was determined by titrating 5.00-mL of
the nitric acid solution with 0.1-M NaOH
secondary standard. The same procedure was
applied to determine the initial number of moles
of the hydrogen ion at the anode compartment
and the final number of moles of the same
species in the anode compartment. This applies
basic acid-base stoichiometry, where the reaction
occurring between NaOH and HNO3 is
𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 + 𝐻𝑁𝑂3 → 𝑁𝑎𝑁𝑂3 + 𝐻2 𝑂
and it can clearly be seen that the balanced
equation suggests that the reactants react in a
one is to one ratio. Therefore, given the molarity
and volume of titrant NaOH used, the moles of
hydrogen ion, which is equal to the moles of
HNO3 since the acid is a strong acid (it
dissociates completely) and is monoprotic, can
be directly calculated using the following
relationship.
𝑀𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 𝑉𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻
𝑛𝐻 + = (𝑉𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑒 )
𝑉(𝐻𝑁𝑂3 )
The same calculations may apply in solving for
the moles of hydrogen ion in the other
compartments.
Experiment 3 | Group 6 | November 11, 2017
Another essential quantity to determine the
transport number of the ions is the amount of the
cation that was electrolyzed and deposited on the
copper plates. This was calculated by obtaining
the difference in the initial and final masses of the
two copper plates multiplied by two and dividing it
with the atomic mass of copper. Mathematically,
it may be expressed as
2(∆𝑊)
𝑛𝑒 =
𝑀𝑀𝐶𝑢
Afterwards, the amount of hydrogen ions that
migrated was then computed using the law of
conservation of mass, which implies that the final
moles in the anode compartment of H+ added to
moles that migrated is equal to the initial moles of
the same species in the anode compartment plus
the moles electrolyzed. That is,
𝑛𝑓 + 𝑛𝑚𝑖𝑔 = 𝑛𝑖 + 𝑛𝑒
The transference number was then obtained by
getting the ratio of the moles that migrated to the
moles electrolyzed.
𝑛𝑚𝑖𝑔
𝑡=
𝑛𝑒
Substituting the values obtained experimentally,
a transference number of 0.8240 for the
hydrogen ion was obtained. Utilizing the
definition that the sum of the transference
numbers of the cation and anion equals unity, the
transference number of the nitrate ion may be
experimentally obtained as well to be 0.1760. At
standard temperature of 25°C, the literature
values for the transport numbers of the ions
involved are 0.170 and 0.830 for the nitrate and
hydrogen ions, respectively, incurring errors of
3.5294% for the nitrate ion and 0.7229% for that
of the hydrogen ion. From the experimental
results, one may deduce that the hydrogen ion
moves faster than the nitrate ion by a factor of
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approximately 4.68, and it also implies that the
hydrogen ion carries approximately 80% of the
total current applied to the system, whereas the
nitrate ion carries around 20%. The results of the
experiment actually conform to the theoretical
concept of ion transport phenomena. This can be
explained by taking into consideration the ionic
size of the species involved. It is known that the
nitrate ion is significantly larger than the
hydrogen ion, and it is also a common notion that
heavier objects move slower, since they need to
overcome a larger amount of force for them to be
set in motion. Theory suggests that larger ionic
size means lower mobility, which explains why
the hydrogen ion has a higher transport number
than that of the nitrate ion. Moreover, lower
mobility implies lesser capability to carry current,
which also explains why the hydrogen ion carried
much more current than that of the nitrate ion.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The researchers were given a set of objectives
that must be achieved by the time that the
experiment was finished. These objectives were
1: to determine the transport numbers of
Hydrogen and Nitrate ions and 2: to relate the
transport number with ionic size and mobility.
Through the results of the experiment, the
researchers were able to determine experimental
values for the transport numbers of hydrogen and
nitrate ions at 301K, which was 0.8240 and
0.1760 respectively. These values were not that
far from the actual values, which were 0.83 and
0.17 respectively.
The relationship between the transport number
with the ionic size and the mobility was also
obtained from the results of the experiment. The
hydrogen ion has a higher transport number
compared to nitrate ion. This is due to hydrogen
having a smaller ionic size. The smaller the ionic
Experiment 3 | Group 6 | November 11, 2017
size, the lesser the chance for ions to bump or
interfering with one another that will slow down
the transport. The relationship between transport
number and ionic size is inversely proportional.
The hydrogen ion has a higher transport number
compared to nitrate ion. This is due to hydrogen
having a higher value for mobility than the nitrate
ion. The higher the mobility, the faster it is for an
ion to travel between two points, thus resulting in
a higher transport number. The relationship
between the transport number and the mobility is
directly proportional.
Though the results of the experiment were
acceptable with low percentage of error, there
is still room for improvement. There is not much
to say about the equipment and glassware used
as well as the reagents that were consumed.
The improvement can come from the
researchers themselves and the methods used
in performing the experiment. For example,
using the balance properly and properly
performing the titration of the nitric acid. The
recommendations above might result in much
lower percentage of error the next time this
experiment is performed.
As an over-all conclusion, this experiment was
a success due to the fact the researchers were
able to fulfill the objectives and the researchers
were able produce results that were acceptable
with low percentage of error.
REFERENCES
[1] National Physical Laboratory (n.d.). Ionic
mobility. Retrieved November 09, 2017 from
http://www.kayelaby.npl.co.uk/atomic_and_nucle
ar_physics/4_4/4_4_1.html
[2] Generalic, E. 2015.Transference Number.
Croatian-English Chemistry Dictionary &
Glossary.
[3] Levine, I. Physical Chemistry.6th ed. 2009.
McGraw-Hill Publishing, New York.
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[4] Garfield chemistry education database. (n.d.) . 3.2 ∆Mole in the Cathode
Electrochemistry. Retrieved 12/13/15.
c1 V K (V K − V1O )
http://garfield.chem.elte.hu/turanyi/oktatas/Pharm ΔnK =
V2
acy_PhysChem/ElectroChemistry/E02Conduct.d
oc 0.1 mmol mL−1 (26 mL) |3.7 mL − 3.1 mL|
ΔnK =
5 mL
[5] Hittorf’s Method for Determination of
Transport Number. (n.d.). Retrieved 12/13/15. 𝚫𝐧𝐊 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟏𝟐 𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐥
http://latestcontents.com/hittorfs-method-for-
determination-of-transport-number/ 3.3 ∆Mass in the Anode
[6] Sawyer, D., Roberts, J. Electrochemistry for ΔmA = |W2 of left − W1 of left|
Chemists, 2nd ed. 1995. Wiley Company, New
ΔmA = |1406 mg − 1348 mg|
York.
𝚫𝐦𝐀 = 𝟓𝟖 𝐦𝐠

APPENDIX
3.4 ∆Mass in the Cathode
1. Dissociation of Nitric Acid
ΔmK = W2 of right − W1 of right
HNO3 + H2O → H3O+ + NO3- ΔmK = 1527 mg − 1475 mg

2. Gathered Data 𝚫𝐦𝐊 = 𝟏𝟗 𝐦𝐠

Weight of Copper Plates (g)

Before Electrolysis After Electrolysis
3.5 Transference Number of Anion (Nitrate)
Left 1.348 1.290
Right 1.475 1.494 M (ΔnA − ΔnK )
t− =
Volume of NaOH used and Volume of W-tube (mL) zR (ΔmK − ΔmA )
Left 3.9 24
63.54 mg/mmol |0.096 mmol − 0.312mmol|
Right 3.1 26 t− =
2 |19 mg − 58 mg |
Original 3.7
𝐭 − = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟔𝟎
3. Sample Computations
3.1 ∆Mole in the Anode
3.6 Transference Number of Cation (Hydrogen)
A
c1 V (V A
− V1O )
ΔnA = t+ = 1 − t−
V2
t + = 1 − 0.1760
0.1 mmol mL−1 (24 mL) |3.7 mL − 3.9 mL|
ΔnA = 𝐭 + = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟐𝟒𝟎
5 mL

𝚫𝐧𝐀 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟗𝟔 𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐥

Experiment 3 | Group 6 | November 11, 2017 10 of 10