Splitting Water with Electricity
Hard
Have you ever wondered how electricity can be used to split water into its two parts? In this experiment, you'll use a 9-volt battery, two pencils, salt, cardboard, electrical wire, a small glass, and water to explore the process of electrolysis.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that electricity can be used to split water into its two parts: oxygen and hydrogen.
Method & Materials
You will sharpen two pencils, cut cardboard to fit over a glass, push the two pencils into the cardboard, dissolve salt into the warm water, and connect one end of the electrical wire to the positive side of the battery and the other to the black graphite of the pencil.
You will need a 9-volt battery, two regular number 2 pencils, salt, thin cardboard, electrical wire, a small glass, and water.
Results
When the electricity passes through the water between the electrodes, the water is split into its two parts: oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen collects around the cathode and the chlorine gas collects around the anode. However, oxygen is not given off in this experiment.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it demonstrates how electricity can be used to split water into its two parts.
Also Consider
Experiment variations to consider include using different solutions and higher levels of electricity to split the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
Full project details
You can find additional information and details for this science fair project here. Have fun exploring!Related videos
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