Question 1

What safety equipment is required before preparing an electrolytic cell experiment?

Accepted Answer

Before beginning laboratory preparation, put on a lab coat, splash-proof safety glasses, and nitrile gloves. These protect against chemical splashes and hazardous materials. Keep baking soda readily available to neutralize any spills. Always work in a fume hood when handling concentrated solutions like copper sulfate in sulfuric acid to minimize inhalation exposure.

Question 2

How is a concentrated copper sulfate solution prepared for electrolytic cell experiments?

Accepted Answer

Place a magnetic stir bar in a 6-L Erlenmeyer flask on a stir plate. Add 250 mL of sulfuric acid and 5 L of hot tap water. Turn on the stir setting and incrementally add 2.2 kg of copper sulfate, allowing each portion to dissolve before adding more. Once dissolved, add another liter of hot water and transfer the homogeneous solution to a labeled carboy for storage.

Question 3

What materials and quantities are needed for each student group in an electrolytic cell lab?

Accepted Answer

Each pair of students requires 50 mL of acetone, one 1 x 9 cm copper sheet strip, one 3-inch piece of 18-gauge copper wire, one 1 by 2-inch emery paper piece, and one 10-ohm resistor. These materials are essential components for constructing and operating the electrolytic cell during the experiment.

Question 4

What glassware and equipment should be set up at each lab station?

Accepted Answer

Each station needs two 50-mL beakers, one 250-mL beaker, one watch glass, one stir bar, one stir plate, disposable pipettes, a current probe and data acquisition system, three electrical wires with alligator clips, one 1.5-V battery, and one brass key. These items enable students to conduct measurements and operate the electrolytic cell safely and effectively.

Question 5

Why must acetone be stored separately from other laboratory materials?

Accepted Answer

Acetone is highly flammable and must be stored in a dedicated flammables cabinet until the lab class begins. This storage requirement prevents fire hazards and ensures safe handling. Keeping flammable materials isolated from other chemicals and heat sources is a critical laboratory safety practice.

Question 6

How should the copper sulfate solution be stored after preparation?

Accepted Answer

After transferring the homogeneous copper sulfate solution to a labeled 10-L carboy, cap it and store it in a corrosives cabinet until the lab begins. This storage method protects the solution from contamination and prevents accidental exposure. The carboy should remain sealed to maintain solution integrity and safety.

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