Can I Use a 6V Battery for Electrolysis?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the suitability of using a 6V battery for the process of electrolysis, specifically focusing on the battery's terminal configuration and safety features. Participants explore the practical aspects of setting up the electrolysis experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assume that a 6V battery is suitable for electrolysis, questioning the impact of the battery's terminal design.
  • One participant points out that the cap is on the negative terminal, correcting an earlier assumption about the terminal configuration.
  • There is a query about the material of the cap, with a focus on whether it is plastic or metallic.
  • A participant humorously suggests using a blowtorch to remove the cap, highlighting safety concerns about the battery.
  • Another participant clarifies that the cap is a removable safety feature and not necessary to remove for the electrolysis process.
  • One participant advises attaching the electrolysis electrodes to the battery with the correct polarity to initiate the reaction.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange about the use of Google and Wikipedia for information on electrolysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of removing the cap and the safety implications of doing so. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best approach to using the battery for electrolysis.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of the battery's terminal design or the specific requirements for electrolysis, leaving some assumptions unverified.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in practical electrolysis experiments, battery configurations, and safety considerations in experimental setups.

moriah
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TL;DR
I’m trying to use a 6V battery to produce electrolysis.
I’m assuming 6V is a suitable battery for such process. The terminals on this type of battery are different from what I’ve seen on other types. The positive terminal is “capped” with black plastic. With this cap intact, would I be able to generate electrolysis?
 
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I’m assuming 6V is a suitable battery for such process. The terminals on this type of battery are different from what I’ve seen on other types. The positive terminal is “capped” with black plastic. With this cap intact, would I be able to generate electrolysis?
7AB3DE08-E5AE-43A3-95C2-741A0FB224C5.jpeg
 
Excuse me. The cap is on the negative terminal.
 
What is the cap made of? Plastic? Or something metallic?
 
moriah said:
Summary:: I’m trying to use a 6V battery to produce electrolysis.

I’m assuming 6V is a suitable battery for such process.
Google is your freiend: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolysis_of_water

moriah said:
Summary:: I’m trying to use a 6V battery to produce electrolysis.

The terminals on this type of battery are different from what I’ve seen on other types. The positive terminal is “capped” with black plastic. With this cap intact, would I be able to generate electrolysis?
Of course not. You need to melt that plastic electrode cover off with a blowtorch without blowing up the battery. Let us know how it goes for you... :wink:
 
Excuse my retardation. The cap is plastic and it’s a removable safety feature. I was trying to figure it out without unwrapping it.
3C03961A-EAF8-4DE1-B2B3-C52ED053167F.jpeg
 
Okay, no blowtorch required. :wink:

Just attach your electrolysis electrodes to the battery with the correct polarity, and you should see bubbles from the electrolysis reaction (Rx).
 
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Likes   Reactions: jack action, berkeman and Tom.G
Be nice. 😉
 
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