SCES3203 GENERAL CHEMISTRY

Practical 2

Aim : To investigate oxidation and reduction in the transfer of electron at a

distance.

Materials : 2.0 mol dm-3 freshly prepared iron(II) sulphate solution, 2.0 mol dm-3
acidified potassium manganate(VII) solution, 2.0 mol dm3 sulphuric acid.

Apparatus : U-tube, galvanometer, connecting wires with crocodile clips, carbon

electrodes, retort stand and clamp, dropper, rubber stoppers.

Procedure:

1. Clamp a U-tube to a retort stand.

2. Pour dilute sulphuric acid into the U-tube until its level are 6 cm away from the
mouths of the U-tube.

3. Using a dropper, carefully add 2.0 mol dm-3 iron(II) sulphate solution to one of
the arms of the U-tube until the layer of iron(II) sulphate solution reaches the
height of 3 cm.

4. In a similar manner as in step 3, add 2.0 mol dm-3 acidified potassium

manganate (VII) solution to other arm of the U-tube.

5. Place a carbon electrode in each arm of the U-tube.

6. Connect the electrodes to a galvanometer as shown in Figure 4. Based on the

deflection of the galvanometer, determine the electrodes that act as the positive
terminal and negative terminal.

7. Left the set-up aside for 30 minutes, observe if there is any change.

8. Using a clean dropper, remove 1 cm3 of iron(II) sulphate solution from the U-tube
and place it in a test tube. Add a few drops of 0.2 mol dm-3 potassium thiocyanate
solution into the test tube. Observe the changes.
 Figure 1: Oxidation and reduction in the transfer of electron at a distance.

Questions:

1. (i) Write the redox equations for both the redox reactions carried out in this
experiment. (4m)
(ii) In each of the reaction, state the oxidizing agent and redusing agent. (4m)

2. State the direction of flow electrons in each of the redox reaction carried out in
this experiment. (2m)

3. State the function of the sulphuric acid used. (1m)

4. State another two pairs of solution that can be used for the experiment above.
(2m)
5. Explain why potassium bromide solution cannot be used to replace sulphuric
acid?
(2m)