Indicating Electrolysis

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In this activity, learners build a simple electrolysis device. Then learners use an indicating solution to visualize hydrogen and oxygen molecules in water.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per student
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Stainless steel screws at least 1.5 inches in length
  • A shallow clear glass or plastic container such as a Petri dish
  • Epsom Salt
  • 9-volt battery
  • Rubber bands
  • Acid-base indicator (phenol red, cabbage juice, etc.)
  • Spoon

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
    • Chemistry
      • Acids and Bases
      • Solutions
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
      • Elements and Periodic Table
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Electronics

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Muller, Eric

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2007