Required Practical 3

Aim

To investigate what happens when aqueous solutions are electrolysed using inert electrodes.

Materials Needed

• A DC power supply or battery pack
• Two inert electrodes (e.g., platinum or graphite)
• Aqueous solutions of different electrolytes (e.g., copper(II) sulfate, sodium chloride, dilute sulfuric acid, etc.)
• Beakers or test tubes to hold the electrolytes
• Wires with crocodile clips to connect the electrodes to the power supply

Procedure

1. Experimental Setup:
   1. Set up the experimental apparatus by connecting the inert electrodes to the DC power supply or battery pack using wires with crocodile clips.
   2. Place each inert electrode into separate beakers or test tubes containing the different aqueous solutions.
2. Conducting the Experiment:
   1. Turn on the power supply or battery pack to initiate the electrolysis process.
   2. Allow the electrolysis to run for a set period (e.g., 5-10 minutes).
3. Observation and Data Collection:
   1. Observe any changes occurring at the electrodes and in the aqueous solutions during electrolysis.
   2. Note down any visible changes, such as gas bubbles, colour changes, or deposition of substances at the electrodes.
4. Recording Results:
   1. Record the results of the experiment in a table or a labelled diagram, clearly indicating the products formed at each electrode for each electrolyte.
5. Analysis and Conclusion:
   1. Compare the observed results with the initial hypotheses.
   2. Analyse the data to draw conclusions about the products formed during electrolysis of different aqueous solutions using inert electrodes.
   3. Discuss any trends or patterns observed in the results.
   4. Relate the findings to the chemical properties of the electrolytes and the reactions occurring at the electrodes.
   5. Consider any limitations or sources of error in the experiment and suggest improvements for future investigations.