The Electrolysis of Copper Sulphate Solution using Copper Electrodes.

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Bhaktipriya Nayan Kapadia: - 10291462

Chemistry Coursework 2:- Electrolysis

The Electrolysis of Copper Sulphate Solution using Copper Electrodes!!!

1)Introduction:

My GCSE Chemistry assignment is based on the topic ELECTROLYSIS. Electrolysis only occurs only in presence of electricity, and moves around a circuit. Electrolysis is defined as the flow of charge.

2)Aim:

I want to find out the loss of mass of anode when electrolysing copper electrodes using copper sulphate solution for different speeds of the current. The aim for this investigation is to see how current affects the amount of copper deposited.

3)Prediction and Background Science:

It is possible to predict that the relationship will directly proportional between the time the current flows and the mass of copper deposited on the cathode. Therefore I can predict that if I double the amount of current the amount of copper deposited would become higher.

Both Faraday’s laws therefore support my prediction: -

FARADAY’S FIRST LAW OF ELECTROLYSIS STATES:

“The mass of an element deposited during electrolysis is directly proportional to the number of coulombs of electricity passed.”

 

FARADAY’S SECOND LAW OF ELECTROLYSIS STATES:

“The mass of an element deposited by one faraday of electricity is equal to the atomic mass in grams of element divided by the number of electrons, required is discharge one iron of the element.”

THE SCIENTIFIC EQUATIONS ARE:

  1.  AT THE ANODE:

Cu         Cu2 + 2e-

  1.  AT THE CATHODE:

Cu2         2e- + Cu

Electrolysis is a chemical decomposing of an ionic compound by the passing through of electric current. The ionic compound must be either in the molten state or the aqueous solution; this is because the ions need to be mobile since it is the movement of ions that constitutes the conductivity.

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Electrodes are plates of a conducting material by which current enters and leaves the ionic compound called the electrolyte.  The negative electrode is called the cathode by which it collects the copper mass, the positive electrode is called the anode by which it gives out mass of copper.

4)Variables and Controls:

I have a varies topics which I could choose a variable from, these are;

  • Time taken
  • Current
  • The size of electrons

To make this controlled investigation I must keep the factors constant and only ...

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