electrolysis of copper(II) sulfate solution

IGCSE Chemistry   section 1 i electrolysis of copper(II) sulfate solution

Apparatus and chemicals

·         beaker (250 cm3) ·         graphite electrodes (about 5 mm diameter ·         2 copper strips, ·         retort stand and clamp to hold electrodes ·         small pieces of emery paper

·         DC power supply ·         light bulb (small, 6 volt, 5 watt) ·         leads and crocodile clips ·         aqueous copper(II) sulfate, 0.5 mol dm-3 ·         balance, ± 0.01g

Safety

·         Wear eye protection.

·         You must wash your hands at the end of all practical work.

Procedure

1 Set up the cell as shown.  Watch for any activity on each of the electrodes, and record your   

   observations.

The cathodes can be cleaned using emery paper.

2.  Repeat the experiment with two weighed copper strips.  Leave the reaction to run for 3 minutes

     and weigh each copper strip again. Record your results.