Electrolysis of Water

Aim: 1. To decompose water and determine which gas is hydrogen and which is oxygen. 2. To test the effect on the precipitation reaction of silver nitrate and sodium chloride.

Hypothesis: 1. We can decompose water using electrolysis and determine which gas is which using the pop test and flame test 2. Light will act as a catalyst in the reaction of silver nitrate and sodium chloride and increase the rate of precipitation. Equipment: Silver Nitrate and Sodium Chloride 2x Test Tubes 1x strip of foil 2x 10 drops of silver nitrate 2x 10 drops of sodium chloride solution Test Tube Rack

Electrolysis of Water 2x Test tubes Matches Electrolysis Machine Water

Method: Silver Nitrate and Sodium Chloride Take 1 test tube and cover with foil, leaving the top exposed. Put 10 drops each of silver nitrate and sodium chloride into each test tube Quickly cover the top of the second test tube, leaving no area exposed to light Wait 10-15 minutes and check the amount of precipitate produces in each of the test tubes.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Electrolysis of Water 1. Put the water in electrolysis machine and wait several hours to separate into two gases. 2. Place a single test tube over gas valve and slowly open. 3. Collect gas. 4. Once finished, close valve and place stopper on test tube 5. Light a match, open test tube and place match inside. 6. Repeat steps 2-5 with other test tube.

Results: Silver Nitrate and Sodium Chloride After 15 minutes, we removed the foil from the test tube and compared the amount of precipitate formed in both of the test tubes. The test tube exposed to light had formed less precipitate to the one wrapped in foil which was not exposed to light.

Electrolysis of Water

Discussion: The experiment was completed successfully. There were a few safety concerns. Silver nitrate or sodium chloride solution could cause have got in the eye if safety glasses were not worn. When the match was inserted into the test tube which had gas from the valve which was closest to the water it made a pop sound, therefore it was hydrogen. When the match was inserted into the test tube which had gas from the valve furthest from the water the flame made a hiss noise. Therefore that was oxygen.

Conclusion: In conclusion the hypothesis was supported as we were able to decompose water and determine which gas is hydrogen and which is oxygen. We were also able to successfully test the effect on the precipitation reaction of silver nitrate and sodium chloride.