Which combinations will produce the largest voltage in different concentrations of solutions and will diluting the solution change the voltage?

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Chemistry Coursework

Aim:

Which combinations will produce the largest voltage in different concentrations of solutions and will diluting the solution change the voltage?

Apparatus:

8 metals, 2 Non-metals (5 different types)

Copper

Zinc

Aluminium

Lead

Carbon

Beaker

Voltmeter

Two Crocodile clips

Measuring cylinder

80ml of saturated salt water

80ml of hydrochloric acid

Water

Diagram:

Background knowledge:

Before doing this experiment I already know that, Aluminium; carbon and zinc are fairly reactive towards other substances while copper and lead are not very reactive at all towards other substances.  So I think that copper and lead will not create a high voltage, with each other and other of the metals listed in the apparatus.  But zinc, carbon and aluminium will give a fairly high voltage towards each other.  But in the experiment hydrochloric acid is involved too, and I know that hydrochloric acid makes hydrogen, when reacted with metals, and is very useful in the stomach to kill off bacteria.  In the reactivity series, anything below hydrogen, e.g. copper; will not react with acid.  But anything higher will show a visible reaction.

Method 1: 

I will pour 80ml of hydrochloric acid into a beaker.  Then I will set up the voltmeter by placing the crocodile clips in the correct places.  Once I have done that the experiment can take place.

I will pair up two metals, and clip the crocodile clip to the metals and put them in the acid.  Then I will have to wait a while to get the correct result.  After I get my result I will repeat pairing up different metals. After that I will have 15 different results, all recorded on a table.

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Method 2:

I will pour 80ml of saturated salt water into a measuring cylinder, to get the right amount of liquid, and then I will pour that into a beaker.  After, I will set up the voltmeter and connect the metals to the crocodile clips.  I then need to pair up two metals and write down their result.  Once again I will need to repeat this with the other metals until 15 results show.

Next I will need to find out the best combinations and find out if diluting the solution will change the results.

To dilute I ...

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