\TITLE: Electrolysis

AIM:

i. To electrolyze dilute sulphuric acid using inert electrodes and make inferences
ii. To electrolyze aqueous copper sulphate using inert electrolyte and determine the current
used.

APPARATUS/MATERIALS: electric circuit, power supply, beakers, bulb, splint, match,

balance, stop watch, electrolytic cell with platinum electrodes, copper sulphate solution, dilute
sulphuric acid solution.

PART 1

Electrolysis of Dilute Sulphuric Acid

METHOD:

1. Set the apparatus as shown in the diagram above and turn on the circuit by closing the
switch

2. Make observations about what is observed at each electrode.

OBSERVATIONS: Record ALL observations

DISCUSSION:

 Deduce all the ions present in the electrolyte

H+(aq)+S0(2-) 4(aq)

H20(l)-----H+(aq)+OH(aq)

 Determine which ions are attracted at each electrode

At the anode+

At the cathode – (Positive ions) hydrogen

 Determine what ions is discharged at each electrode giving reason

At the anode Oh-(aq) will be discharged because they are lower in the series

At the Cathode H+ ions will be discharge as that’s the only one left

 State the process occurring at EACH electrode and give half equations to represent the
reaction occurring there

The process occurring at the cathode is reduction (gain of elecrons ) and at the anode is oxidation
(loss of electron)

Half equation at the anode 4 OH-aQ-4e-2H2o(l)

Half equation at the cathode H+(aq) +e-- H(g)

 Deduce the effect of any changes in the electrolyte

PART 2
Electrolysis of Aqueous Copper (II) Sulphate Solution
METHOD:

1. Pre-weigh the graphite cathode using the balance.

2. Set the apparatus as shown in the diagram above and turn on the circuit by closing the
switch for 15minutes.

3. Make observations about what is observed at each electrode and electrolyte.

4. After the time has elapsed, switch off the circuit, gently remove the cathode and blot dry.
Reweigh the cathode.

OBSERVATIONS: Record ALL observations from each electrode and electrolyte

Mass of Cathode before/g Mass of Cathode after/ g Mass of Deposit formed/ g

DISCUSSION:

 Deduce the mass of deposit formed at the cathode

 Deduce the moles of deposited formed

 Write half equation for the reaction occurring at the cathode

 Deduce the quantity of electricity required to produce this amount

 Deduce the current required to produce the amount of copper