Investigating Electrolysis

Investigating Electrolysis

INTRODUCTION: In this experiment I will be investigating how the

amount of copper affects the mass of the cathode. I will do this

experiment twice so that I have an average of my results so that they

are accurate. I have already done my preliminary work and from it, I

have noticed that I will have to make some changes with the method of

my experiment.

AIM: In this experiment, I intend to find out how much copper in the

solution affects the mass of the cathode. I will be observing to see

what is happening and exactly how much copper is being deposited on

the cathode. Out of the four variables that are listed below, I will

be concentrating on the time the electrodes are left in the solution

and the size of current that will be applied in this experiment.

VARIABLES: There are four variables, which affect this investigation.

The first variable is the size of the current applied in the solution.

As the current raises so does amount of electrons that are produced on

the cathode. This means the anode loses its positively charged ions,

which the cathode gains, which means more positive ions, will combine

with the electrons on the cathode to produce copper.

The second variable that affects the experiment is the amount of time

the experiment is carried out for. The greater the time the electrodes

are left in the solution, the more time there is for the copper to be

gathered at the anode.

The third variable that affects the experiment is the temperature of

the copper II sulphate solution. As the temperature of the solution

increases, more of the ions gain kinetic energy and begin to move

faster. This enables the positive and negative charged ions to collide

faster with the electrodes. As more of the positive and negative ions

collide, there is a greater chance for the pure copper to be formed at

the cathode.

The fourth variable the affects the experiment is the size of the