Unit A: Chemical Change


Lesson 2.5: The Electrolytic Cell

A voltaic cell uses chemical energy to produce electricity. In contrast, an electrolytic cell uses electrical energy to produce a chemical change.

  • Read page 95 of the textbook.
A simple electrolytic cell can be observed in the next activity.

  • Read the entire activity on page 96 of the textbook.

If you have access to a supervised laboratory, do Path 1. If you do not have access to a supervised laboratory, do Path 2.

  • Follow the directions of the activity, and answer the questions.

 

Science 20 Textbook.  Alberta Education





  • Read the entire investigation on pages 97 and 98 of the textbook.

This activity is crucial to understanding and remembering information about electrolytic cells, and is worth 40 minutes of your time.  Assessment questions are based on it.  If you have access to a supervised laboratory, do Path 1. If you do not have access to a supervised laboratory, do Path 2.

  • Follow the directions of the investigation, and answer the questions. Check your answers below.

 

Science 20 Textbook.  alberta education


For this path you will watch a slide show demonstrating this investigation.  Start and stop the video to read and record wehn necessary.

  • View “Electroplating Copper” .  Record the mass of each electrode at both the start and the end when prompted.

    Answer questions 1 to 5 of “Analysis” on page 98. Check your answers in Path 1.





Electroplating is a process that forces non-spontaneous oxidation and reduction reactions to occur. Energy from a battery or electrical apparatus is used to remove electrons from the metal located at the anode and transfer them to the metal ions within the electrolyte near the cathode.  Electroplating is used to deposit a thin layer of desirable metal on a base metal, to refine metals, and to purify non-metals.
How Does Electroplating Work?


  • Read pages 98 to 100 of the textbook, starting with “A Look into Electroplating—The Mechanics of an Electrolytic Cell”. Answer the questions as you encounter them.

  • Read “2.5 Summary” on page 101 of the textbook. Then complete “2.5 Questions”.

Go to Assignment 2.5: The Electrolytic Cell.