Eletrólise do Sulfato de Cobre

Eletrólise quantitativa com eletrodos de cobre

Electrochemistry Intermediate (High School) 50 min ~$12,00

Objetivo

Realizar a eletrólise quantitativa de uma solução de sulfato de cobre usando eletrodos de cobre e verificar a primeira lei de eletrólise de Faraday.

Contexto

When copper sulfate solution is electrolyzed with copper electrodes, copper is deposited at the cathode and dissolved from the anode. By measuring mass changes and current, Faraday's law can be verified: the mass of substance deposited is proportional to the charge passed.

Avisos de segurança

  • Copper sulfate is toxic if ingested
  • Wear gloves when handling solutions
  • Handle electrical connections with dry hands

EPI necessário

goggles gloves lab_coat

Materiais

  • Copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄) (200 mL)
    1M solution
  • Copper strips (2) (2 pieces)
    Similar size, sanded clean

Equipamentos

DC power supply (1-5V) Ammeter Beaker (400 mL) Wires Analytical balance Timer Sandpaper

Procedimento

1

Sand both copper strips until shiny. Wash with distilled water and dry. Weigh each strip accurately on the analytical balance.

5 min
2

Pour 200 mL of 1M CuSO₄ into the beaker.

2 min Wear gloves
3

Connect the circuit: power supply → ammeter → anode (Cu strip) → solution → cathode (Cu strip) → power supply.

5 min
4

Set the power supply to give a steady current of about 0.5 A. Record the exact current.

2 min
5

Run the electrolysis for exactly 20 minutes, monitoring the current.

20 min
6

Turn off the power supply. Carefully remove both electrodes, rinse with distilled water, dry, and reweigh.

5 min
7

Calculate the charge passed (Q = I x t). Calculate theoretical mass deposited using Faraday's law: m = (M x Q) / (n x F). Compare with actual mass change.

8 min

Resultados esperados

The cathode should gain mass and the anode should lose approximately the same mass. At 0.5 A for 20 min: Q = 600 C, theoretical mass = (63.55 x 600) / (2 x 96485) = 0.197 g. Measured value should be within 10%.

Limpeza

Dispose of copper sulfate solution in heavy metal waste. Rinse and store copper strips. Clean the beaker and equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Eletrólise do Sulfato de Cobre?
Realizar a eletrólise quantitativa de uma solução de sulfato de cobre usando eletrodos de cobre e verificar a primeira lei de eletrólise de Faraday.
How difficult is Eletrólise do Sulfato de Cobre?
This experiment is rated as Intermediate (High School). It takes approximately 50 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for Eletrólise do Sulfato de Cobre?
Key safety precautions include: Copper sulfate is toxic if ingested; Wear gloves when handling solutions; Handle electrical connections with dry hands.
What materials are needed for Eletrólise do Sulfato de Cobre?
The main materials required are: Copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄), Copper strips (2).
What results should I expect from Eletrólise do Sulfato de Cobre?
The cathode should gain mass and the anode should lose approximately the same mass. At 0.5 A for 20 min: Q = 600 C, theoretical mass = (63.55 x 600) / (2 x 96485) = 0.197 g. Measured value should be within 10%.