Lab #17- chem

Background information:
Electrochemistry was the branch of physical chemistry that studies the relationship between
electricity, as a measurable and quantitative phenomenon, and identifiable chemical change, with
either electricity considered an outcome of a chemical change or vice versa.
Title: Electrochemistry
Aim: to demonstrate the principle of electrolysis.
Apparatus:
- Copper sulphate solution
- Carbon electrodes
- Connecting wires
- 12 V D.C sources
- Beaker
Variable:
Manipulated variable- the kind of:
metal
electrolyte, magnitude of applied current flowing through circuit
Controlled variable- ambient temperature
Responding variable-process of electrolysis
Diagram:
Method:
All the necessary materials were gathered.
Two pieces of connecting wire was formed by using a pair of scissors.
Copper (II) sulphate solution was poured into a small beaker.
One end of a connecting wire was connected to the negative terminal of the battery and the other
end of the second piece of wire was connected to the positive terminal of the battery (12V D.C
source)
The carbon electrodes, after individually being wrapped with connecting wire, was placed inside
the beaker of Copper (II) sulphate solution.
Observations were made and recorded.
Observations:
Two pieces of connecting wire was formed by using a pair of scissors.
Copper (II) sulphate solution was poured into a small beaker.
One end of a connecting wire was connected to the negative terminal of the battery and the other
end of the second piece of wire was connected to the positive terminal of the battery (12V D.C
source)
The carbon electrodes, after individually being wrapped with connecting wire, was placed inside
the beaker of Copper (II) sulphate solution.
Gas was released from electrodes and the blue color of the solution faded, getting lighter
gradually.
Photos:

Discussion:

Electrolysis (of copper sulfate) was a way of splitting up (decomposition) of the compound
(copper sulfate) using electrical energy. The electrical energy came from a d.c. (direct current)
battery or power pack supply. A conducting liquid, containing ions, called the electrolyte (copper
sulfate solution), contained the compound (copper sulfate) that was broke down. The electricity
flowed through electrodes dipped into the electrolyte to complete the electrical circuit with the
battery. Electrolysiss only happened when the circuit was complete, and an electrical current
(electricity) was flowing, then the products of electrolysing aqueous copper(II) sulfate solution
were released on the electrode surfaces where they can be collected. The electrolyte copper (II)
sulfate, provided a high concentration of copper (II) ions Cu2+ and sulfate ions SO42– to carry the
current during the electrolysis process. There were small concentrations of hydrogen ions H+ and
hydroxide ions (OH–) from the self-ionization of water itself.

The electrolysis only took place when electricity was passed through the copper solution.

The products of electrolyzing copper sulfate solution with carbon electrodes (carbon/graphite or
platinum) were copper metal and oxygen gas.

The half-equations for the electrolysis of copper (II) sulfate solution

The negative cathode reaction with graphite electrodes

The negative cathode electrode attracts Cu2+ ions (from copper sulfate) and H+ ions (from water).
Only the copper ion was discharged, being reduced to copper metal. The less reactive a metal,
the more readily its ion was reduced on the electrode surface.

A copper deposit formed as the positive copper ions were attracted to the negative electrode
(cathode)

Cu2+(aq) + 2e– ==> Cu(s)

positive ion reduction by electron gain

The blue colour of the copper ion faded as the copper ions were converted to the copper
deposit on the cathode

Oxygen gas was formed at the positive electrode, an oxidation reaction (electron loss).

The negative sulfate ions (SO42-) or the traces of hydroxide ions (OH–) were attracted to the
positive electrode. But the sulfate ion was too stable, and nothing happens. Instead either
hydroxide ions or water molecules were discharged and oxidised to form oxygen.

(i) 4OH–(aq) – 4e– ==> 2H2O(l) + O2(g)

negative ion oxidation by electron loss

or  4OH–(aq) ==> 2H2O(l) + O2(g) + 4e–

(ii) 2H2O(l) – 4e– ==> 4H+(aq) + O2(g)

molecule oxidation by electron loss

or 2H2O(l) ==> 4H+(aq) + O2(g) + 4e–

 Sources of error:
The flow of current fluctuates during the electrolysis and affects the accuracy of the calculations.
Precautions:
The electrodes were not allowed to touch during the experiment.
Always use calibrated instruments to take measurements.
Conclusion:
It was concluded that the principle of electrolysis was demonstrated.