Background information on Electrolysis.
Background information on Electrolysis Electrolysis is a chemical process by which electrical currents can be passed through solutions. Pure water cannot conduct electricity, but if a salt such as Sodium Chloride is dissolved in it, the solutions will start conducting if two electrodes are placed in it with a battery that provides the initial current. When we close the switch, copper ions on the anode will start to move through the solution to the cathode. The copper atoms have already given up two electrons to become ions and their electrons are free to move in the wires. Closing the switch pushes electrons clockwise and forces some copper ions into the solution. The cell pushes the ions from the anode to the cathode. At the same time, it pushes the free electrons around the wires (these electrons are already spread through the wires). Electrons in the cathode recombine with copper ions from the solution, forming a new layer of copper atoms. Gradually, the anode is eroded and the cathode grows. Insoluble impurities in the anode fall to the bottom in a pile. This valuable bi product is removed. Gold, silver, platinum and tin are insoluble in this electrolyte and so do not deposit on the cathode. They form a 'sludge' that collects under the anodes. If the substance the metal rods are placed in is not in liquid form, the current with not conduct. To prove that
Does Current Affect The Amount Of Copper Transferred During Electrolysis With Copper Electrodes In A Copper Sulphate Solution?
Does Current Affect The Amount Of Copper Transferred During Electrolysis With Copper Electrodes In A Copper Sulphate Solution? By Will McEwan Aim To investigate how the amount of copper transferred during electrolysis is influenced by the current. Prediction I predict that with a greater current, more copper will be transferred. They will be directly proportional. Hypothesis The Copper atoms are using the electrolyte (copper sulphate) to transfer themselves between the two electrodes. If the current increase then the amount of copper atoms crossing between the electrodes also increases, thus increasing mass of copper transferred. Apparatus Ammeter Beaker Cell Pack Stopwatch Copper Sulphate Solution Copper Electrodes Crocodile Clips Scales Propanone Iron Wool Variable Resistor Wires Diagram Method * Take the copper electrodes and clean them with iron wool (to remove impurities on surface and aid electrolysis), taking care not to get splinters of iron into fingers. * Once cleaned wipe with tissue soaked in propanone. From this point the electrodes can no longer be touched by the paddles, this is to protect from contamination. * Weigh the electrodes to obtain a starting mass. * The apparatus is to be set up as in the diagram. * Use the Rheostat to set the first current (e.g. 0.5 A). * Connect the circuit leave for a set amount of time (e.g. 5
The aim of this experiment is to discover how the rate of electrolysis is affected by the level of voltage.
Aim The aim of this experiment is to discover how the rate of electrolysis is affected by the level of voltage. Possible Variables * Size of electrodes * Level of voltage * Time * Distance between electrodes * Molarity/Concentration of Electrolyte * Temperature of Electrolyte Plan As a group we have decided that our variable will be the level of voltage. We came to this decision because it will give us accurate results and a good range. For our experiment, we shall use the following pieces of equipment and apparatus: * 1 Power pack with adjustable voltage * 2 wires * 1 beaker * Copper sulphate solution (CuSO4(aq)) * 2 copper electrodes of equal weight (Cu(s)) * 2 crocodile clips * Top pan balance * Stop Watch (to time 5 minutes) Diagram Firstly we shall weigh each copper electrode and record their weights. Secondly, we shall set up our equipment as shown in the diagram. We shall then turn on the power pack, and wait for five minutes and then turn the power pack off. The electrodes will then be weighed again and the new weights recorded. We shall then repeat this process using a higher voltage. The voltages we shall use are 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 volts. To make the test fair and accurate we shall take repeat results for each voltage so that we can find an average. Also, we shall use the same electrodes throughout the experiment. We shall use the same top
A report on Climate Change
Chemistry - Ideas in Context Report on Global Warming Ella Nokes 9Brontë CO2 Emissions & Temperature Increase The first graph shows the carbon dioxide concentration in parts per billion over time. This means how many molecules of CO2 there are in a certain area. This graph illustrates to us the increase in CO2 concentration as time progresses. This is probably due to the vast improvements we have had in technologies since the 17th century, and the ways in which we power them. For this energy, we use fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are substances, which were created several hundred million years ago through the decomposition of ancient organisms and plants, which originally obtained their energy from the sun. Machines such as televisions, cars and computers we take for granted in our daily lives, need energy to run. The energy used to power these energy things come from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels can be categorized into three types; oil, natural gas and coal. When burning all of these fuels, harmful chemicals get released into the air, and one of these is carbon dioxide. The recent increase in carbon dioxide concentration is due to the lack of producing more sustainable and renewable energy sources, which are better for the environment. It is also due to the increase in the amount of fuel being used, and in many cases wasted, depleting the world of our resources and releasing
In this coursework, I aim to find out the different properties of gold and alloying and will analyse pieces of data pertaining to gold in particular
Chemistry Coursework Gold and Alloying Introduction In this coursework, I aim to find out the different properties of gold and alloying and will analyse pieces of data pertaining to gold in particular; I will also be discussing the reasons as to why alloying is done and, finally, I will be providing evidence in the light of science and ethics in favour of and against alloying. Properties of Gold and Alloys Gold has for centuries been regarded as a prized possession; it has been used world wide for various purposes, from the treasures of the Ancient Egyptians to the manufacture of computer chips. Gold has an atomic number of 79 and is among the transition metals. There are different types of gold, determined on its purity. The carat system is often used to resolve the purity of gold. 24 carat gold is regarded as the most pure type of gold, which occurs naturally as very dense, soft, shiny and the most malleable and ductile pure metal known. 24 carat gold (pure gold) has a rich yellow colour as opposed to impure gold. The chemical factors which gold possesses makes it an excellent metal to be used for many things. It is extremely unreactive, which makes it a brilliant metal to be used for jewellery because it does not tarnish as a result of reacting with oxygen. Its ability to reflect light well means that it can also be used for heat resistant suits and sun visors for
Alternative Energy Research Essay
Alternative Energy ________________ The role of Alternative Sources of Energy in the World’s Energy Economy Makrand Gupta X – C 02-09-2011 ________________ Today, fossil fuels provide more than 85% of the energy consumed by the world. All fossil fuels are nothing but different forms of hydrocarbons which constitute of Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H) and Oxygen (O). The study of these carbon compounds is called Organic Chemistry. Petroleum or ‘Crude’ Oil as it is more commonly known is also a mixture of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are of two major categories, Saturated (Alkanes) and Unsaturated (Alkenes). ‘Saturated’ means that no more atoms can be added to the compound. Unsaturated compounds contain a double bond which can be broken down to add more atoms to the hydrocarbon. Upon complete combustion of any organic compound, only two products are given out, Water and Carbon Dioxide, but under incomplete combustion, the products are unpredictable and potentially hazardous. The more the number of Carbon atoms in the molecule, the higher number of Hydrogen atoms present. They can be calculated using the formula [C (n) H (2n+2)] for Alkanes and [C (n) H (2n)] for Alkenes. With increasing number of carbon atoms, the molecular mass of the compound increases. In alkanes, the viscosity, volatility and flammability increases as we go down the series and vice-versa for
Global Warming and Possible Solutions.
One World – Global Warming One World Essay Aspect 1 (How Science is applied) a) Natural causes The earth climate is partly being controlled by a cycle of climate change. Climate change has been estimated to lasts for 40 000 years. The earth has perceived many different phases of temperature change through the billions of years of its history. Most of this change is due to the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is a natural process in which radiation from the space is being trapped inside the earth lower atmosphere. This is caused by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor and methane , to create a layer in the stratosphere (a part of the atmosphere). The layer absorb some heat, but it also reflects rays back to the earth’s surface. (Houghton Mifflin Company 2005). a) Man-made causes Causes that are inflicting the earth the most damage are the man-made ones. There are many different acts humans does that leads to global warming and climate change. We are burning fossil fuels to generate power (as fuel for transportation). This causes the earth to be polluted .When burning coal or oil, CO2 is released. Fossil fuels are not renewable. The earth population is growing and so do the need of transportation. The encreased usage of cars is leading to pollution. We also need more land for agriculture and therefore we cut down trees, this leads to
Chemistry- Earth, its structure and atmosphere
Changes in the Earth and Its Atmosphere: By Monisah Mehrban An Introduction to the Earth: The Earth is 4.54 billion years old. The Earth's diameter is 12,742 km and the Earth's radius is 6,371 km. What is the Earth like inside? The Earth has 3 main layers, which are the following (starting with the outermost): . 2. The Crust is relatively thin and rocky. The crust is the outer layer of the earth and is on top of the mantle. It is between 6 and 48 kilometres thick and includes the continents and the ocean floor. The crust is the solid rock layer upon which we live. There are 2 different types of crust:- continental crust, which carries land and oceanic crust, which carries water. . The Mantle is a zone of hot rock in the interior of the Earth, which is located between the outer crust and the molten core. The mantle has the properties of a solid but can flow very slowly. The mantle is the widest section of the Earth. It has a thickness of approximately 2,900 km. The mantle is made up of semi-molten rock called magma. In the upper parts of the mantle the rock is hard, but lower down the rock is soft and beginning to melt. . The Core is the innermost part of the Earth. It is made from liquid nickel and iron. There is the inner core and the outer core. The inner core is in the centre and is the hottest part of the Earth. It is solid and made up of iron and nickel with
GM foods - Harmful or Helpful
Page Number Page Title Title Page 2 Contents 3 Introduction 4 What are GM foods? 5 Process of Genetic Modification. 6 Advantages of GM foods. 7 - 8 Disadvantages of GM foods. 9 Conclusion 0 - 11 Bibliography In this case study, my aim is to find out whether genetically modified (GM) foods are harmful or helpful. To support my case study I will structure it with different scientific theories and evidence I will gather this information from different sources and different types of sources. Some people think that GM foods are harmful due to the way they are artificially tampered with. Others believe that GM foods are helpful as they can prolong the life of some foods and make them taste better so they are beneficial to us. I will attempt to explore both beliefs thoroughly and end this case study with a satisfactory conclusion. GM stands for genetically modified; they are foods which have been artificially altered by scientists in laboratories. An example of a GM food is tomatoes they used to easily rot however they have been artificially modified to last longer, look redder and taste better.1 Genetic engineering techniques allow scientists to insert specific genes into animals and plants without the trial and error method used in selective breeding. This makes genetic engineering much quicker than the natural process of selective breeding.2 For example the
Crude Oil - Uses, Shortages and Alternatives.
CRUDE OIL What is crude oil used for? Crude oil is fractionally distilled to be used as other useful fuels to make cosmetics and plastics and much more. This is done my fractional distillation which is where the crude oil is heated to make it evaporate it then cools down which causes it to condense and then it can be used as more useful fuels. Crude oil is used to make allot of different things here are just a few: Petrol - for fuelling cars/ motor vehicles etc. And to operate machinery. Fertilisers/Pesticides- Heating oil- Used to heat houses. http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1194947327894 http://wanttoknowit.com/uses-of-crude-oil/ http://chemistry.tutorvista.com/biochemistry/industrial-chemicala-petrochemicals.html Alternative Fuels The main fuels that are used around the world are oil, petrol, gas and coal. An alternative fuel is a fuel that doesn’t use any of these fuels. A few examples of alternative fuels could be biodiesel, LPG, Natural gas and Fuel cell. Biodiesel is produced from the oil of crops such as waste oils from cooking and rapeseed. This fuel uses a major reduction of carbon emissions compared to other fuels. LPG is a blend of propane and butane which is produced from oil refining and methane gas fields. This does have slightly higher carbon emissions than diesel but it has 80% lower nitrous oxide emission. Natural Gas is
