Electrolysis Investigation :: Papers

Electrolysis Investigation Aim To investigate how electric potential affects the amount of a fuzz (Cu) deposited during electrolysis of bulls eye sulfate response (CuSO4). Variables ========= TEMPERATURE - close to 20 centigrade.The higher the temperature, the rapid the ions move through the solution. Thus, to a greater extent papal bull is deposited in the given time period. ELECTROLYTE (CONCENTRATION) - 100g per litre. The denser the solution, the slower the reaction. The slower the reaction, the little copper is deposited in the given time period. VOLTAGE - (Input / Key Variable) 1-5 volts. The higher the voltage, the faster the ions move. The faster ions move, the more copper is deposited in the given time period. measure - 1 minute. The longer the ions have to move, the more copper is deposited. ELECTRODES (AREA) - 211.2cm. The larger the electrode, the more copper can be deposited on it and faster. ELECTRODES (DISTANCE APART) - 5c m. The throw out apart the electrodes, the further the ions have to travel, and so it takes longer for the copper to be deposited and the less copper can be deposited in the given time period. Prediction I predict that the higher the voltage, the faster the ions in the copper sulphate solution will move and so deposit more copper at the cathode in the given time period. If I decrease the voltage less copper will be deposited. Below is some scientific surmisal to back up my prediction. Scientific Theory Electrolysis is the process of decomposing compounds by electric energy. An element is produced at each electrode. In my experiment the copper sulphate will start to decompose. At the cathode copper will be formed. oxygen will be formed at the anode. This causes the anode to wear away trance the cathode gains mass. According to Faradays second law of electrolysis, The quantity of a substance that is electrolysed is proportionate to the quantity o f the electricity used. It follows that the speed at which a substance is