Download Analysis for Electrolysis Lab

Electrolysis Lab
Purpose: To produce a chemical reaction using electrical energy from a 9V battery.
Procedure:
1. Observe the copper(II) chloride solution in the U-tube.
2. Observe the graphite rods attached to the alligator clamps – note their color.
3. Carefully place one graphite rod into each side of the U-tube – the alligator clamp will
prevent the rod from dropping in the solution.
4. Connect the battery to the wire setup.
5. Observe the chemical reaction occurring at each graphite rod – record visual
observations. Note the wire color for each reaction (red or black).
6. Disconnect the battery, and then remove the graphite rods from the solution.
Analysis:
In this lab, only the copper(II) chloride solution reacted...the graphite rod, and the water, did
not react.
1. Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction, including states of matter.
2. When energy (either heat or electricity) is used to cause a reaction, chemists indicate this
energy within the balanced equation. Add the energy information to your equation in
question 1 above.
3. Write a word sentence describing the reaction. Distinguish between atoms, ions, and
molecules, different states of matter of each substance, and how many of each
substance you have.
4. Write the two half-reactions.
5. By definition, the anode is the terminal where oxidation occurs. Which wire (red or
black) was the anode?
6. By definition, the cathode is the terminal where reduction occurs. Which wire (red
or black) was the cathode?