Experiment PRELIMINARY ACTIVITY FOR

20

Investigating Voltaic Cells

Open Inquiry Version
In electrochemistry, a voltaic cell is a specially prepared system in which an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs spontaneously. This spontaneous reaction produces an easily measured electrical potential. Voltaic cells have a variety of uses. In the Preliminary Activity, you will prepare a semi-microscale voltaic cell in a 24-well test plate. A voltaic cell is constructed by using two metal electrodes and solutions of their respective salts (the electrolyte component of the cell) with known molar concentrations. You will use a Voltage Probe to measure the potential of a voltaic cell with zinc and copper electrodes.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about electrochemistry and voltaic cells before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with voltaic cells. Some topics to consider in your reference search are:

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voltaic cell oxidation reduction oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction anode

PROCEDURE
1. Obtain and wear goggles. 2. Use a 24-well test (culture) plate as you prepare your voltaic cell. Use Beral pipets to transfer small amounts of 0.10 M Zn(NO3)2 and 0.10 M Cu(NO3)2 solution to two neighboring wells in the test plate. CAUTION: Handle these solutions with care. If a spill occurs, ask your instructor how to clean up safely.

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cathode half reaction cell potential salt bridge
Investigating Chemistry through Inquiry

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Experiment 20 3. Obtain one Zn and one Cu metal strip to act as electrodes. Polish each strip with sandpaper. Place the Zn strip in the well of Zn(NO3)2 solution and place the Cu strip in the well of Cu(NO3)2 solution. These are the half cells of your Zn-Cu voltaic cell. 4. Make a salt bridge by soaking a short length of string in a beaker than contains a small amount of 1 M KNO3 solution. Connect the Zn and Cu half cells with the string. 5. Set up the data-collection system. a. Connect the Voltage Probe to the data-collection interface. b. Run the data-collection program. c. With the leads in contact with each other, zero the Voltage Probe. 6. Measure the potential of the Zn-Cu voltaic cell. Complete the steps quickly to get the best data. a. Connect the leads from the Voltage Probe to the Zn and Cu electrodes to get a positive potential reading. b. Immediately start data collection. c. After two seconds, stop data collection and remove both electrodes from the solutions. d. Use the Statistics function to determine the mean value of the cell potential. Record this value. 7. Clean and polish each electrode. 8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 twice.

QUESTIONS
1. What is the average potential for your Zn-Cu voltaic cell? (Show work.)

2. The zinc half reaction in the Preliminary Activity is Zn(s) Zn2+(aq) + 2e. Write an equation for the copper half reaction.

3. Write an overall equation for the reaction in your Zn-Cu cell.

4. Which substance is oxidized in the reaction? Which substance is reduced?

5. Use the table of standard reduction potentials in your text, or another approved reference, to 20 - 2 S

Investigating Chemistry through Inquiry

Investigating Voltaic Cells calculate the standard cell potential, E, for a Zn-Cu cell.

6. Compare the calculated E value, from Question 5, with your experimental results, from Question 1. List two factors that might account for the difference, if any difference exists.

7. List at least one researchable question concerning voltaic cells.

Note: The plan that you submit for instructor approval should list laboratory safety concerns, including chemical safety concerns, and specify how you will address these safety concerns during your investigation.

Investigating Chemistry through Inquiry

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THIS IS AN EVALUATION COPY OF THE VERNIER STUDENT LAB.

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