Laboratory Activity 1A - Transfer of Electrons at a Distance

Aim : To investigate oxidation and reduction reactions in terms of electron

transfer at a distance.

Apparatus : U-tube, connecting wires with crocodile clips, galvanometer, retort stand,
carbon electrodes, dropper, and test tube.

Materials : 1.0 mol dm−3 of sulphuric acid, H2SO4 , 0.2 mol dm−3 of potassium iodide,
0.1 mol dm−3 of acidified potassium manganate(VII), KMnO4 solution and
starch solution

Procedures : 1. Pour 1.0 mol dm−3 of sulphuric acid, H2 SO4 into the U-tube until
half full and clamp it vertically.
2. Carefully, pour 0.2 mol dm−3 of potassium iodide solution into arm X
of the U-tube using a dropper until the solution reaches the height of
3 cm.
3. Carefully, pour 0.1 mol dm−3 of acidified potassium manganate(VII),
KMnO4 solution into arm Y of the U-tube using a dropper until the
solution reaches the height of 3 cm.
4. Connect the carbon electrodes to the galvanometer using the
connecting wires.
5. Dip one of the carbon electrodes into the potassium iodide solution
while the other carbon electrode into the acidified potassium
manganate(VII), KMnO4 solution to complete the circuit as shown in
diagram.
6. Observe the direction of the deflection of the galvanometer needle
and determine the positive and negative terminals for each electrode.
7. Leave the apparatus set-up for 30 minutes.
8. Observe the colour change of potassium iodide, KI solution and the
acidified potassium manganate(VII), KMnO4 solution.
9. Record your observation in the table below.
10. After 30 minutes, draw out a little of the potassium iodide, KI
solution using a dropper and pour it into a test tube.
11. Add starch solution into the test tube to verify the product formed.