A Small-Scale and Low-Cost Apparatus for the Electrolysis of Water

Eggen, Per-Odd; Kvittingen, Lise

doi:10.1021/ed081p1337

Cited by 16 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 1 publication

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“…11−18 For example, because the standard reduction potentials of Li + , Na + , K + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and Al 3+ are lower than that of water, the electrolysis of water containing these cations can be expected to generate hydrogen gas and increase the number of hydroxide ions at the cathode. Similarly, anions F − , OH − , SO 4 2− , and NO 3 − correspond to the chemical species used during the electrolysis of aqueous solutions. A priori, sulfate ions can be oxidized to peroxydisulfate ions at the anode.…”

Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Utilizing Unexpected Results in Water Electrolysis to Engage Students in Scientific Inquiry

Kim

Seounghey

2021

J. Chem. Educ.

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Water electrolysis, a well-known and simple experiment, confirms that a water molecule comprises hydrogen and oxygen atoms. In this experiment, hydroxide or hydrogen ions generated from each electrode were identified using an indicator based on the assumption that electrodes, electrolytes, and indicators do not participate in the water electrolysis reaction. However, KNO3, which is considered as an electrolyte that is nonreactive during water electrolysis when considering the standard reduction potential, can affect electrolysis. Pencil graphite electrodes, which are commonly used in student experiments because of their low cost and easy availability, and indicators used to identify the products of water electrolysis can also influence this reaction. Therefore, students can observe various anomalies during the water electrolysis experiments. We have developed an experimental activity that allows students to observe anomalous phenomena in water electrolysis experiments. By performing this water electrolysis activity, students can participate in the process of scientific inquiry, create models, design their own research processes, conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, and formulate evidence-based arguments based on the results of the proposed activity. By engaging in this activity, students can realize that water electrolysis is a complex process that is affected by a range of conditions.

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Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Utilizing Unexpected Results in Water Electrolysis to Engage Students in Scientific Inquiry

Kim

Seounghey

2021

J. Chem. Educ.

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“…Many excellent examples on how to create laboratory work and how to visualize the products using color changes have been published frequently. Some of the examples have used electrolysis of water for demonstrating the chemical composition of water and/or for illustrating the redox reactions using color changes, − while others have developed microscale laboratory exercises. , …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the electrolysis of water with an inert electrolyte, half-reactions occur at The electrolytic products including H + and OH – from eqs and , respectively, show why pH indicators are a natural choice for illustration of the redox reaction. Examples of indicators used for this purpose include bromocresol green, bromothymol blue, and thymolphthalein. ,, Another popular natural pH indicator is the juice of red cabbage due to its nontoxicity and broad changes in color. It is commonly used in Finnish schools, especially for the lower grades. , The reason for the changes in color with pH are anthocyanins, the compounds that are present in red cabbage as well as in blueberries.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In this work, we have combined the teaching of pH and electrochemistry inspired by reported methods from others, − focusing here on showing the wonders of everyday chemistry. In this paper, we describe the design of an environmentally friendly setup of a writing board utilizing the electrolysis of water in a hydrogel environment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Examples of indicators used for this purpose include bromocresol green, bromothymol blue, and thymolphthalein. 3,4,6 Another popular natural pH indicator is the juice of red cabbage due to its nontoxicity and broad changes in color. It is commonly used in Finnish schools, especially for the lower grades.…”

Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Colorimetric Hydrogel from Natural Indicators: A Tool for Electrochemistry Education

et al. 2020

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The electrolysis of water is popular both as lab work and as a demonstration. In this activity, the electrolysis of water in the presence of a pH indicator is used to produce text and symbols. This report describes the design of an environmentally friendly setup of a writing board utilizing the electrolysis of water in a hydrogel environment. The activity can be performed by only using chemicals and materials that are easily accessible to everyone, with no special permit needed. The writing board has been developed mainly as an outreach activity for our faculty and has been assessed during visits from upper secondary school students.

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Reconstructing Iconic Experiments in Electrochemistry: Experiences from a History of Science Course

et al. 2011

Self Cite

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The decomposition of water by electricity, and the voltaic pile as a means of generating electricity, have both held an iconic status in the history of science as well as in the history of science teaching. These experiments featured in chemistry and physics textbooks, as well as in classroom teaching, throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This paper deals with our experiences in restaging the decomposition of water as part of a history of science course at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. For the experiment we used an apparatus from our historical teaching collection and built a replica of a voltaic pile. We also traced the uses and meanings of decomposition of water within science and science teaching in schools and higher education in local institutions. Building the pile, and carrying out the experiments, held a few surprises that we did not anticipate through our study of written sources. The exercise gave us valuable insight into the nature of the devices and the experiment, and our students appreciated an experience of a different kind in a history of science course.

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A Small-Scale and Low-Cost Apparatus for the Electrolysis of Water

Abstract: This article describes how to construct two simple, inexpensive, and illustrative apparatuses using disposable polyethene pipets and floral wire for electrolysis of water. These apparatuses suit various grades and curricula.

Cited by 16 publications

References 1 publication

Utilizing Unexpected Results in Water Electrolysis to Engage Students in Scientific Inquiry

Utilizing Unexpected Results in Water Electrolysis to Engage Students in Scientific Inquiry

Colorimetric Hydrogel from Natural Indicators: A Tool for Electrochemistry Education

Reconstructing Iconic Experiments in Electrochemistry: Experiences from a History of Science Course

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