A scientist aims to identify the positive terminal of a concealed battery using an electrolytic method. Which observation would BEST indicate the positive terminal?
Understand the Problem
The question aims to test understanding of electrolysis and how it can be used to identify the positive terminal of a battery. The best observation that indicates the positive terminal involves understanding what reactions occur at the anode (positive terminal) during electrolysis of an electrolytic solution when electrodes like copper are used.
Answer
The formation of gas bubbles or deposition of metal at the anode indicates the positive terminal.
In an electrolytic method, the positive terminal of a concealed battery can be identified by observing where oxidation occurs. This is usually indicated by the formation of gas bubbles, or deposition of metal. The electrode connected to the positive terminal is the anode, where oxidation takes place.
Answer for screen readers
In an electrolytic method, the positive terminal of a concealed battery can be identified by observing where oxidation occurs. This is usually indicated by the formation of gas bubbles, or deposition of metal. The electrode connected to the positive terminal is the anode, where oxidation takes place.
More Information
Electrolysis is a process that uses electricity to drive non-spontaneous chemical reactions. In identifying a positive terminal using electrolysis, observing the electrode where oxidation occurs is key. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and at the positive terminal (anode), you'll often see the formation of bubbles (if a gas is produced) or the deposition of a substance (if a metal is formed).
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the roles of the anode and cathode. Remember, the anode is where oxidation occurs (connected to the positive terminal), and the cathode is where reduction occurs (connected to the negative terminal).
Sources
- Practical- electrolysis of copper sulfate solution - Edexcel - BBC - bbc.co.uk
- Electrolytic Cells - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
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