Alpha science classroom：Electrolysis of Water Experiment

At home, we can use batteries to provide energy to help us in our lives. Children know that water can conduct electricity and that water can also be treated to provide us with energy as a new source of energy, so what kind of water is the best source of energy? Today, the alpha science classroom conducts an electrolytic water experiment with children to make the best electrolyte water through this children's chemistry experiments activity to help children understand the amazing assurance of electrolytes and enjoy the knowledge and fun brought by kid's science experiments activities.

Alpha Science Classroom: Electrolysis of Water Experiment，Materials required

• Distilled water

• Tap water

• 2 silver-colored thumb tacks

• 9V battery

• Small, clear plastic container (a plastic to-go sauce container from a restaurant would work great)

• 2 test tubes

• Stopwatch

• Baking soda

• Table salt

• Lemon

• Dishwashing detergent

Alpha Science Classroom: Electrolysis of Water Experiment, Science Principles, Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: First, children carefully insert thumbtacks into the bottom of the plastic container so that their points are pushed upward into the container. Space them so that they are the same distance from the two terminals of the 9V battery. Be careful not to prick yourself.

Step 2: Children place the plastic container with the thumb studs on the terminals of the battery. If the cup is too large to balance on the battery, find something to stack it on: between two books, a stack of sticky notes, etc.

Step 3: Children slowly fill the container with distilled water. If the large pins move, use this opportunity to secure them before continuing. Does distilled water conduct electricity on its own? Try it!

Step 4: Children add a pinch of baking soda to the water and hold up two test tubes above each large-headed needle to collect the gas that is forming. Record your observations. What happens? Is there more gas in one test tube than the other? Which gases do you think are forming?

Step 5: Children discard the solution and repeat the process with a different combination.

Distilled water and lemon juice

Distilled water and salt

Distilled water and detergent

Distilled water (no additives)

Tap water (Does tap water work? (If valid, why?)

 Alpha Science Classroom: Electrolysis of Water Experiment, Science Principles

Baking soda, known to chemists as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), is not an electrolyte in and of itself. Remember - it needs to be in solution! When dissolved in water, it allows current to flow in the water between the cell terminals. In a water-baking soda solution, the gases produced are hydrogen (H2), oxygen (O2), and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Table salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), is also a good additive for forming electrolytes. In water, the salt actually splits into Na+ and Cl- ions, which are very good at carrying electric currents, or the flow of charges. In a water-salt solution, the gases produced are hydrogen, oxygen, and chlorine (Cl2)-something you don't want to inhale!".

Lemon juice is a suitable electrolyte because it is an acid. The acid dissociates in the water and the current will be carried by the ions. Distilled water itself will not carry any current. However, tap water is usually able to conduct electrical currents due to the presence of minerals and impurities (don't worry! These things are not bad for you!).

Each reaction will produce a different amount of gas because each reaction carries a different amount of current. The amount of gas produced is proportional to the current flowing through the system.

We hope that children can get the best electrolyte water and understand the power of science through this children's chemistry experiments. alpha science classroom wants to present children not only simple experiment results but also open the door to the future technology and plant the seed of exploring the mystery of science in children's hearts through this kid's science experiments activity. In the future, through their own efforts, they will add vibrant green resources to our planet.

alpha science toys also designed interesting children's chemistry experiment kits for children to swim in the magical bubbles, full of chemical magic changes in the world of science so that children enjoy the fun of science in the growth.