Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Can you tell me what gas is given off of my electrode when I apply 9 V through salt water? I was doing the study of electrolytes and measuring the current that was conducted through different fluids. I noticed some gas bubbles when I tested salt water and tomato juice.

This is a great science project you have selected. Electrolysis is used in so many industrial processes to make materials we use every day. It's also the process by which fuel cells operate. That is one of the promising alternative energy sources of the future.

What you are doing is creating hydrogen and oxygen gasses - the two components of water. Here are some links you will find interesting and helpful:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolysis

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hb ... ctrol.html

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ?f=2&t=779

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p002.shtml

Good luck, and have fun.

Ed Neu
Buffalo, MN