Electrolysis

• What is the purpose of electrolysis?

  To break down compounds using electricity
• What compounds are being examined in the experiment?

  Copper chloride and sodium sulfate
• How much liquid should be filled in the beaker for the experiment?

  15 centimeters cubed
• What should be ensured about the electrodes in the liquid?

  They must be submerged but not too close to clips
• What voltage is recommended for this practical experiment?

  4 volts
• What does the red wire connect to in the experiment?

  The positive terminal, which is the anode
• What is expected to happen when the circuit is turned on?

  A reaction will take place with chemical formation
• How long should the experiment run to observe the reaction?

  About five minutes
• What ions are present in copper chloride?

  Copper ions and chloride ions
• What is observed at the positive electrode during the reaction?

  Bubbles indicating gas formation
• How can chlorine ions be tested during the experiment?

  Using blue litmus paper above the anode
• What happens to the litmus paper when chlorine is present?

  It gets bleached
• What forms at the cathode during the electrolysis of copper chloride?

  Copper metal
• What is the charge of protons in the context of this experiment?

  Protons have a 1 plus charge
• How many chloride ions are needed to form a stable diatomic molecule?

  Two chloride ions
• What happens to chloride ions at the anode?

  They are oxidized to chlorine gas
• What is produced at the cathode from copper ions?

  Copper metal as a solid
• What are the half equations for the electrolysis of copper chloride?

  • At the anode: Chloride ions oxidized to chlorine gas
  • At the cathode: Copper ions reduced to copper metal
• What is the reactivity of sodium in sodium sulfate compared to hydrogen?

  Sodium is more reactive than hydrogen
• What is observed at both electrodes during the electrolysis of sodium sulfate?

  Bubbles forming at both electrodes
• What gas is formed at the negative electrode during sodium sulfate electrolysis?

  Hydrogen gas
• What gas is formed at the anode during sodium sulfate electrolysis?

  Oxygen gas
• What ions contribute to the formation of oxygen at the anode?

  Hydroxide ions from water
• What is the result of the oxidation reaction involving hydroxide ions?

  Oxygen gas and water are produced
• How do you balance the charges in the electrolysis equations?

  Ensure equal negative charges on both sides
• What is formed from the hydrogen in hydroxide ions at the cathode?

  Hydrogen gas as a diatomic molecule
• What are the key products formed during the electrolysis of sodium sulfate?

  • Hydrogen gas at the cathode
  • Oxygen gas at the anode
  • Sodium ions remain in solution