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General Chemistry Science Fair Project

Voltage, Salt Concentration, and Electrolysis Rate

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Voltage, Salt Concentration, and Electrolysis Rate | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Does more voltage make electrolysis (splitting water with electricity) produce gas faster? You set up two copper wires in a beaker of salt water and connect them to batteries. Gas bubbles form at the wires and rise into upside-down test tubes. First you test different amounts of salt in the water while keeping the voltage at 1.5 volts. Then you test different voltages while keeping the salt amount the same. Changing the salt amount barely affects the speed. But raising the voltage from 1.5V to 6V cuts the collection time from about 14 minutes down to under 5 minutes.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that a higher DC voltage applied to the electrolysis process will increase the rate at which hydrogen gas is produced.

Method & Materials

You will use a beaker, tap water, salt, batteries, test tubes, and other materials to conduct the experiment.
You will need a beaker, tap water, salt, batteries, test tubes, and other materials.

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Results

The results of this experiment show that increasing the DC voltage will result in a faster release of gasses from the chemical reaction in the electrolyte. However, increasing the amount of salt in the electrolyte does not change the rate of gas released from the electrolysis process.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it explores the process of electrolysis and how electricity can be used to create gas.

Also Consider

Consider experimenting with different types of electrolytes such as vinegar or sulfuric acid. Also, examine the effects of raising or lowering the temperature of the solution during the process of electrolysis.

Full project details

Additional information and source material for this project are available below.

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