Temperature Change During Electrolysis
In this experiment, a four-factor design of experiment was used to determine the effect of solution type, solution molarity, cathode conductivity, and battery voltage had on the temperature, measured in °C, of an electrolytic reaction. To conduct this experiment, a small amount of solution was poured into a beaker, and one end of the anode and cathode was submerged in the solution. After the anode and cathode were in place, the temperature probe was situated between them, and the initial temperature of the solution was measured. The anode and cathode were then connected to the appropriate battery terminals, and the reaction was allowed to run for two minutes. The final temperature of the solution was measured and recorded at the end of the two-minute period. The change in temperature was defined as the difference of the final temperature and the initial temperature. Three trials were performed at each DOE level and at the standard level. The DOE analysis revealed that the solution type, cathode conductivity, and battery voltage significantly affected the temperature of the solution.
Research Done By:
Kristen Bloch
L'Anse Creuse High School
A'Lisa Krawciw
Cousino High School
Neil Osinski
Warren Mott High School
Warren Consolidated Schools