Hey guys,
In class we did an electrolysis practical investigating on how time of current passed through cell affects the mass lost at the anode.
Experiment:
With 2 copper electrodes and Copper nitrate solution, we measured the mass lost at anode at 4A and 0.77V . We would measure the mass of the anode at 30, 60, 120, 180 second mark and did this trial 3 times. Before measuring, we would dip the electrode into ethanol and then water and wait for it to dry.
I'm trying to identify all possible errors that could have taken part. I noticed that their was an instance where the anode mass was constant even after 30 seconds of electrolysis
But here are the errors I can think of:
- The equipment was not calibrated (which is a systematic error)
- Overestimated weight: After dipping into water, the electrode was not fully dried
- Underestimation of weight: The electrical supply was not connected properly
- Overestimated weight: The negative and positive power supply reversed
- Contamination of electrolyte or impurity in electrode (not cleaned properly, is it enough to say it would simply interfere with the reaction, for example we found that our steel wool that we used to clean the electrode was in the electrolyte)
Is there anything else you can think of?
When writing a discussion or being asked questions regarding this experiment, what else could be discussed?
In order to limit errors, is the only thing we could do more trials?
Also, what is the different into amps and voltage, how does it effect electrolysis
Why is the anode dipped into ethanol and water before weighing?
We did 3 trials and did not change the electrolyte, how does that effect the experiment?
Does having an "open environment" have anything to do with errors that could have taken place?
The distance between electrodes was not kept same at all in the trials, does that have an effect?
Thank-you chemists!