Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology

College of Engineering
Department of Ceramics, Metallurgical, and Mining Engineering

Electrolytic Cell

Submitted by:
Catedral, John Israel R.

Submitted to:
Engr. Almon Dahan
Laboratory Professor

October 1, 2015

Introduction
Electrolysis is the process by which ionic substances are broken down into simpler
substances when an electric current is passed through them. It can bring about chemical changes
in which a substance loses or gains an electron. This process occurs in an electrolytic cell. It
drives an electrical current to cause non-spontaneous reactions to occur. Thus, these cells
requires energy to push the reaction in the reverse or opposite direction.
During electrolysis, ions with a positive electrical charge move toward the cathode,
where they take up electrons; ions with a negative charge move toward the anode, where they
give up electrons. This transfer of electrons causes chemical changes to take place at each
electrode.
Much of the original research on electrolysis was done by an English physicist and
chemist, Michael Faraday, who published his results in 1833. Faraday's laws of electrolysis state:
1. The amount of chemical change that takes place in a solution during electrolysis is
proportional to the amount of current passed through the solution.
2. The amount of a substance that is deposited is proportional to its equivalent weight (its atomic
weight divided by its valence).

Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is to familiarize the student with the proper set-up for
electrolysis and the principles behind it beforehand of the prior laboratory experiment.

Significance of the Study

Electrolysis is utilized in various ways. From preparing of elements to metallurgical
processes, such as extraction (electrowinning), purification (electrorefining) of metals from ores
or compounds and in deposition of metals from solution (electroplating). Electrowinning,
electrorefining and electroplating are generally done in an electrolytic cell. Thus, it is important
to study electrolytic cells to understand the principles behind these processes.

Materials and Procedure

A. Equipment
Battery/Power Source
Electrolyte
Electrodes
Distilled Water
Beaker
B. Methodology

Preparation
of Materials

Create an
electrolyte

Submerge
the
electrode

Observe

Connect to
the power
source

Obtain the necessary equipment. Weigh the electrodes to determine later how
much of the electrode has transferred and lost. In a beaker, create an electrolyte solution
by mixing distilled water with the electrolyte. The Ideal ratio for electrolysis is 10% of
electrolyte and 90% water. An electrolyte will increase the conductivity of water to allow
current to pass. Take the electrodes and submerge them into the water, making sure the
electrodes are not in contact with each other. If they are touching, it will create a short
circuit and will cause the reaction to stop. Determine the standard potential of the
electrode to check whether the voltage produced by the power source is enough for the
reaction to proceed. To start, press the battery terminals against the electrode. It is best
done by using alligator clips. Make sure the negative electrode is attached to the negative
terminal of the battery and the positive electrode to the positive terminal of the battery.
The reaction should start. Observe the transfer of electrons then weigh the electrodes.

Discussion
Electrolysis begins when electrical current flows out of one pole of the battery into one
electrode. The electricity drives a non-spontaneous redox reaction and force it to happen. Base
on the standard potential of the electrode we can determine the least amount of voltage required
for the reaction to occur. Electrons come out of the negative terminal of the battery and deliver
electrons to the negative electrode where the current forces electrons onto the cathode. The
electrode from which electrons are removed becomes positively charged, while the electrode to
which they are supplied has an excess of electrons and become negativey charge. The cations are
reduced by gaining electrons and turns into its solid/metal state. It forms in the cathode or the
negative electrode at which reduction occurs.
On the other hand, the power source is pulling electrons away from the other electrode. It
leaves positive charges behind thus, creating a positive electrode called anode at which oxidation
occurs. Due to high concentration of positive charges this electrode readily accepts electrons
from those negative ions or other species in the electrolyte solution and hence behaves as an
oxidizing agent.

Conclusion
Electrolysis is done in an electrolytic cell, where chemical changes occurs to bring about
the deposition of a metallic substance into a cathode.
It can be concluded that ions with a positive electrical charge move toward the cathode,
where electrons are forced into by the current creating a negatively charged electrode; ions with a

negative charge move toward the anode, where electrons are removed making a positively
charged electrode.

References
Anonymous. 2002. "Electrolysis." UXL Encyclopedia of Science. Retrieved September 30, 2015
from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3438100256.html
Anonymous. (n.d). Electrolysis. Retrieved September 28, 2015 from http://science.
howstuffworks.com/electrolysis-info.htm
Anonymous, (n.d). Electrolysis. Retrieved September 30, 2015 from http://www.
britannica.com/science/electrolysis