The electrolysis of copper sulphate solution and copper electrodes

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The electrolysis of copper sulphate solution and copper electrodes

Introduction:

For my GCSE Chemistry assessment I will be investigating the electrolysis of copper sulphate solution with the copper (ii) plates.

Aim:

My intention for this observation is to find out how the current has an effect on the mass of copper deposited in the electrolysis of copper sulphate and copper (ii) plates.

Safety Precautions:

In this investigation I will make sure that everything is as safe as possible and that there are no chances of accidents occurring.

(1) I will wear safety glasses and a lab coat to avoid any danger.

(2) I will tie my hair back, which will prevent any accidents from occurring. (3) I will keep the area around me clear to prevent any accidents from occurring. (4) Benches should be tucked under the table so that nobody trips over. (5) As copper sulphate indicates the symbol, which means toxic, I will be careful that it is kept away from my skin and I am not able to smell it. The reason for this is that it can cause death.

(6) Copper sulphate will be placed in the tray at all times so that if it spills it will only spill in the tray.

(7) I will not keep the power on more than 10 minutes, as keeping the power on for too long can change the resistance of the wire.

(8) As the copper sulphate is dangerous I will wash my hands after each experiment.

Apparatus:

The apparatus that I require in this investigation is:

(1) Measuring cylinder- This will be used to measure 150ml of the copper sulphate solution

(2) Ammeter- This will be used to se how much current is flowing through the circuit

(3) Stop watch- This will be used to time how long the practical will be on for.

(4) Auto...

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I know that this is a straight line graph and that the gradient is positive by looking at the graph. I can now interpret from this graph that this investigation matches the law of Michel Faraday, the first law that I mentioned in the scientific background knowledge is:

The quantity of electricity passed is proportional to the amount of substance discharged at an electrode.

This law infant matches my results that I have gained, I can now confidently say that the results that I obtained were accurate. As I increased the voltage and the current there was a larger mass in the cathode. Therefore this proves that my prediction which I made is correct: As the current increases the amount of copper deposited will also increase. In this electrolysis both the oxidation and reduction reactions have been used, the oxidation in the anode and the reduction in the
cathode.

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