View source for GCSE Chemistry Required Practical: Electrolysis of a Solution

==Key Stage 4==
{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCHE_7QeRUc}}
===Meaning===
Perform an [[electrolysis]] experiment to observe what happens when an [[aqueous]] [[solution]] is [[electrolysis|electrolysed]].

===Method===
#Pour 50ml of [[Copper (II) Chloride]] [[solution]] into a 100ml [[beaker]].
#Place two [[Carbon]] [[electrode]]s held apart from one another by an [[Electrical Insulator|electrical insulator]].
#Attach a [[Direct Current|direct current]] [[Power Pack|power pack]] to the [[electrode]]s using wires and crocodile clips.
#Set the [[Potential Difference|potential difference]] to 4 [[Volt]]s.
#Record your [[observation]]s of changes at each [[electrode]]. You may also use a [[pH Indicator]] paper next to the [[anode]] but above the [[solution]] and note any colour change.
#After 5 minutes turn off the [[Power Pack|power pack]] and remove the [[cathode]] to [[observe]] whether any changes have taken place.
#Repeat this experiment for the following [[solution]]s; [[Copper (II) Sulphate]],  [[Sodium Chloride]] and [[Sodium Sulphate]].

===Copper Chloride Results===
: Anode: Bubbles of [[gas]] form - Placing [[litmus]] paper next to the [[anode]] bleaches the paper, showing the presence of [[Chlorine]] [[gas]].
: Cathode: A pink/brown [[solid]] forms. - This is copper.

===Copper Sulphate Results===
: Anode: Bubbles of [[gas]] form - Collecting the [[gas]] in a [[Test Tube|test tube]] it relights a glowing splint, showing the presence of [[Oxygen]].
: Cathode: A pink/brown [[solid]] forms - This is copper.

===Sodium Chloride Results===
: Anode: Bubbles of [[gas]] form - Placing [[litmus]] paper next to the [[anode]] bleaches the paper, showing the presence of [[Chlorine]] [[gas]].
: Cathode: Bubbles of [[gas]] form - Collecting the [[gas]] in a [[Test Tube|test tube]] a lit splint causes a squeaky pop sound, showing the presence of [[Hydrogen]] [[gas]].

===Sodium Sulphate Results===
: Anode: Bubbles of [[gas]] form - Collecting the [[gas]] in a [[Test Tube|test tube]] it relights a glowing splint, showing the presence of [[Oxygen]].
: Cathode: Bubbles of [[gas]] form - Collecting the [[gas]] in a [[Test Tube|test tube]] a lit splint causes a squeaky pop sound, showing the presence of [[Hydrogen]] [[gas]].