Open Lab

On Wednesday, we were able to get lab time from 3pm-6pm. We set up the system using the steel electrode and a 1000 mL beaker. Sodium Chloride was added to the system as a catalyst to make the reaction go faster.

This is a picture of how the system looks. 

In this open lab period, we were able to experiment and learn about the reaction. Many small parts about the system went wrong from keeping the electrode in place, having water in the graduated cylinders, and the connections of the copper wire to the electrode. The lab time was needed to iron out these problems. Wednesday was a learning experience and allowed us to really learn about the reaction and how it works.

Sean stirring the salt in the water

A close up of the reaction.

On Thursday, Sean and Emily were able to get into the lab and continue the experiment. They learned that the connection between the copper wire and the electrode, although they were twisted on, were not solid and in result, hindered the reaction. They decided to use alligator clamps for a better connection and that improved the reaction tremendously.

Alligator clamps used

 This was a breakthrough in the experiment and allowed for the lab on Friday to go smoothly and for solid data to be recorded. In the Lab Week 7 post, the results of the experiment as well as conclusions will be discussed.

This is an example of how the experiment went. As it is seen, it is not the best setup for the reaction.