Indicating Electrolysis

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
Electrolysis is the breakdown of water into hydrogen and oxygen. This Exploratorium activity allows learners to visualize the process with an acid-based indicator. This activity also has helpful videos to help you.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Two stainless steel screws, each at least 1.5 inches (40 millimeters) long (available at your local hardware store)
  • Shallow clear glass or plastic container such as a Petri dish
  • Epsom salts (available at your local drugstore) CAUTION: don't substitute table salt for this activity because it can produce chlorine gas
  • 9-volt battery
  • Rubber bands
  • Acid-base indicator such as phenol red, phenolphthalein, bromothymol blue, or cabbage juice indicator (see the Going Further section below for instructions on how to make your own)—make sure you’re aware of any safety issues and that you know which colors indicate acid and/or base when using your chosen indicator
  • Safety goggles
  • Spoon
  • Optional: magnets

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
      • Acids and Bases
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights: