Electrochemistry Question, Galvanic/Daniel Cell

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a simple electrochemical setup involving zinc and copper plates connected to a speaker, with filter paper soaked in zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and copper sulfate (CuSO4) placed between them. Participants are investigating a black substance that forms on the zinc plate over time, speculating that it could be copper reduced from the solution. The conversation raises questions about the mechanism of copper reduction and precipitation on the zinc plate, particularly considering that the cells are separated by cellophane. The presence of current suggests that ions are indeed passing through the cellophane, prompting further exploration of how this process occurs and the nature of the black substance observed.
mannioc3
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Using a very simple set up with high school kids,

Zinc Plate
*on*
Filter paper soaked in ZnSO4
*on*
cellophane
*on*
Filter paper soaked in CuSO4
*on*
Copper Plate
*in*
Petri Dish

Copper and zinc plate connected to a speaker. I know the process involved and the equations. Not using a salt bridge. After a while on the base of the Zinc plate there is a build up of a black substance and for the life of me i can't tell what it is.
Any ideas what it is?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
I won't be surprised if it is copper reduced on zinc. It doesn't have to be red, at least not initially.
 
Where does the copper come from?
The cells are separated by the cellophane... how would the copper reduce and percipitate UP onto the zinc plate? is this possible?
 
If there is current flowing, it means ions pass through the cellophane, there is no other way.
 

Thread 'Solubility of MgSO47H2O in water'

It seems like a simple enough question: what is the solubility of epsom salt in water at 20°C? A graph or table showing how it varies with temperature would be a bonus. But upon searching the internet I have been unable to determine this with confidence. Wikipedia gives the value of 113g/100ml. But other sources disagree and I can't find a definitive source for the information. I even asked chatgpt but it couldn't be sure either. I thought, naively, that this would be easy to look up without...
View full post »

Thread 'Why does having 8 valence electrons make an element inert?'

I was introduced to the Octet Rule recently and make me wonder, why does 8 valence electrons or a full p orbital always make an element inert? What is so special with a full p orbital? Like take Calcium for an example, its outer orbital is filled but its only the s orbital thats filled so its still reactive not so much as the Alkaline metals but still pretty reactive. Can someone explain it to me? Thanks!!
View full post »

Similar threads

Daniell cell initial equilibrium
Replies
4
Views
3K
Galvanic cell - open circuit voltage and EMF
Replies
23
Views
5K
The Initial Reaction of a Voltaic Cell
Replies
26
Views
4K
Calculating Amperage of Voltaic Cells for Efficient Electrochemical Reactions
Replies
4
Views
6K
Why is My Voltage Lower than Standard Cell Potential?
Replies
5
Views
4K
Need Help Understanding Voltaic Cells
Replies
1
Views
4K
How Does a 0M Copper Ion Concentration Affect Galvanic Cell Voltage?
Replies
6
Views
9K
Electrochemists brain teaser-copper electrolysis
Replies
1
Views
3K
Understanding Galvanic Cells: Salt Bridge, Electrode Potential, and More
Replies
4
Views
3K
Which Electrode is the Cathode in Wade and Tang's Galvanic Cell?
Replies
6
Views
8K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top