Exp 2.

Determining Avogadros Number

(Electrolysis, the Faraday and Avogadro's number)

Lab 406, 2 students

 Introduction

Electrolysis of water Anode (oxidation): 2H2O (l) O2 (g) + 4H+ (aq) + 4eCathode (reduction): 2H2O (l) + 2e- H2 (g) + 2OH- (aq) Faradays constant F = NA * e ( NA = Avogadros number e = Elementary charge )

Avogadros number Avogadro number is the number of atoms or molecules in one mole

 Objective
To determine the values for the faraday and Avogadros number by Electrolysis > Apparatus
DC source, insulated copper wires, timer, barometer, 50mL buret, 250mL beaker, ruler, thermometer

> Chemicals
3M H2SO4 (Caution!)

Continue 150~300 mA Q(c) = I(A) t(s)

 Procedures
1. In a 250mL beaker, add 100mL of distilled water and then 50mL of dilute (3M) sulfuric acid.
2. Fill a 50 mL buret with this solution and invert it in the solution

100 mL Water + 50mL H2SO4 (total 150mL) Stir it with a glass rod

Invert

A square piece of paper (2.5cm X 2.5 cm)

3. Attach the copper wire cathode to the negative terminal of the DC source. And place the other end uninsulated into the inverted mouth of the burette.

(-)

(+)

 Make sure that the bare anode put inside of burette.

4. The volume of solution in the buret should be accurately measured

1) Record the time, turn on the DC source, and record the ammeter reading (It is important to maintain a steady current) 2) Continue the electrolysis until at least 20mL of hydrogen has been collected. Note the time when the electrolysis is stopped.

5. Measure of the height of the water column in the buret above the solution in your beaker.

6. Measure the temperature of the acid solution and obtain the barometric pressure and the vapor pressure of water at the solution temperature.

 Calculation
9.

PH2= Pbarometric- PH2Ocolumn PH2O vapor

PH2O column= (height of H2O in mm) / (13.6mm H2O/mmHg)

PV = nRT 15.

We can find out the Moles of H2 produced.

Q(c) = I(A) * T(s)

2H+ + 2e- H2
1F (C/mol e -)

We can also find out number of coulombs passed

ne- (moles) = 2 nH2 (moles)

= The number of coulombs(C)

ne-(mol)

16.

Avogadros number N(electron/mol)

Electron numbers = N (e-/mol) = The number of coulombs(C) 1.6 10-19 C/ene-(mol)

Additional Usage Notes

Fast-Release Pipette Pump

Fit pipet up to 25mL Flexible elastic thermoplastic rubber chuck holds pipet snugly for safe, sure use.

-Simply insert pipet into detachable, cone-shaped chuck with light finger
pressure -To fill, grasp pump in palm of hand and rotate knurled wheel with thumb -To empty rapidly, lightly press thumb on quick-release lever

-To empty gradually, rotate wheel

-Parts disassemble for maintenance

Safety Wide Mouth Wash Bottle

Labeled Acetone with Red Cap Use Acetone ONLY

Labeled Water with Blue Cap Use Distilled Water ONLY