MadSci Network: Chemistry |
I set up and ran the following electrolysis experiment. NaCl (aq) 9V source Copper and paper clip electrodes A single glass container with solution. Electrodes where about 2 to 3 inches apart. At first bubbles where observed at the cathode {(-) port of 9V battery}. I suspect this was Hydrogen. I expected to also see bubbles at the anode, and it seemed like there where few bubbles appearing. After a while two precipitates appeared. Sinking to the bottom was a dark bluish green substance. Rising to the surface was a dark brown and sometimes orange substance. Here is my interpretation of the results: The bubbles at the cathode are H. The bubbles at the anode are either Cl and or O. The bluish green stuff at the bottom is NaOCl. The brownish stuff at the surface is NaOH. Are my observations above correct? Did the copper or metal in the paper clips release any ions into the solution that I am not accounting for? If yes, what are they and did they react to form the precipitants I observed?
Re: What are the solids in my solution?
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