Electrolyte Challenge: How do electrolytes carry current?

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hannahbear1030
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat May 31, 2014 4:47 pm
Occupation: Student: 7th grade
Project Question: I’m doing the ‘Electrolyte Challenge’ from Science Buddies. As I put the straw with the copper wires into different drinks, only the copper wire attached to the black alligator clip (which is connected to the COM port) became black and rusty after testing only 4 or 5 drinks. I had to replace it multiple times. But, the other copper wire stayed clean. Why did that copper wire get so rusty? (My materials are from the Electrolyte Challenge Kit from Science Buddies).
Project Due Date: June 7, 2014
Project Status: I am finished with my experiment and analyzing the data

Electrolyte Challenge: How do electrolytes carry current?

Post by hannahbear1030 »

I'm doing the Electrolyte Challenge from Science Buddies.
I'm confused on how the electrolytes (technically the ions) carry current from one copper wire to the other in a beverage.
How does it work?
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rmarz
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Posts: 634
Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2008 1:26 pm
Occupation: Technology Consultant
Project Question: n/a
Project Due Date: n/a
Project Status: Not applicable

Re: Electrolyte Challenge: How do electrolytes carry current

Post by rmarz »

hannahbear1030 - The electrical conductivity of material is dependent on the availability of 'free electrons' to move when subjected to an electromotive force (think voltage). Most metals are excellent conductors, and have many of these free electrons waiting to move electrons and hence carry a 'current' or flow of electrons. Insulators, like glass, plastic have very few 'free electrons' and will not conduct measurable current. The range of conductive capability is substantial. Same is true with the liquids you are using in the electrolyte experiment. Pure water has few free electrons to conduct, but by adding another material like a salt or acid or hydroxide material, free electrons are provided. Here is a link that might help you understand better.

http://www.scienceclarified.com/Di-El/E ... ivity.html

Rick Marz
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