Practical: Investigate the Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry)

Aim:

To electrolyse aqueous solutions of sodium chloride, sulfuric acid and copper(II)sulfate, and to collect and identify the products at each electrode

Diagram:

Electrolysis cell for collecting gaseous products from aqueous solutions

Method:

• Add the aqueous solution to a beaker and cover the electrodes with the solution
• Invert two small test tubes to collect any gaseous products
• Connect the electrodes to a power pack or battery.
• Turn on the power pack or battery and allow electrolysis to take place
• Observations at each electrode are made
• Gases collected in the test tube can be tested and identified
• If the gas produced at the cathode burns with a ‘pop’ when a sample is lit with a lighted splint. This shows that the gas is hydrogen
• If the gas produced at the anode relights a glowing splint dipped into a sample of the gas. This shows that the gas is oxygen
• If the anode gas bleaches of a piece of litmus paper this indicates chlorine is the product
• If a solid forms around the electrode, the metal have been formed. The colour can indicate the metal

Results:

Conclusions:

1. Sodium chloride solutions produces hydrogen at the cathode and chlorine at the anode
2. Dilute sulfuric acid produces hydrogen at the cathode and oxygen at the anode
3. Copper(II)sulfate solution produces copper at the cathode an oxygen at the anode