Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

for this experimenthttps://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-pro ... p087.shtml
the results show that the pH increased when current was passed through it. In my lab report for the conclusion paragraph i am suppose to tell the reason this happen.. Why the pH went up was current was passed through it and i don't know. Help me please my lab report is due soon.

Hello treasure,

The answer to your question is described in detail in the Introduction section of the project description. First be sure you understand the definition of pH. If the information in the Introduction seems inadequate, then you can find fuller discussions of pH in any introductory chemistry book or with a web search. The change in pH is detailed by equations 4 through 10 of the Introduction. Please think carefully to note that the reaction of Equation 4 occurs in one of your bowls and the reaction of Equation 5 occurs in the other.

What is the net result of having this happen in the two bowls?

The answer to my question is the answer to yours.

Good luck, WW

I read all of the equations but still you didn't answer the question. I know about pH very well. The reason PH should increase is due the more concentration of Hydrogen my i dont know how to explain it in my conclusion para that relates to this experiment

treasure,

Yes, I know I didn't answer your question directly. You don't have to understand a sentence to read it, so you might or might not understand a direct answer when you read it. I tried to direct you to information that would help you figure out the answer.

Look at Equation 5 of the Introduction again. Does the equation indicate the production of hydrogen ions? Would that affect the pH of the solution where it occurs?

Hope this helps. If not, please answer the questions above as best you can, and I'll point out what's right and wrong about your answers.

WW

OK i figured out some of the stuff. pH in one of the solution increased because of more concentration of OH- ions during the reaction from the water. Though i still need some help. So what happens to the other solution and why. Help its due tomorrow

i mean its suppose to decrease but how much does it decrease. is the solutions stil base

treasure,

Equation 4 shows the reaction at the negative electrode that produces OH- ions to increase the pH in that container.

Equation 5 shows the reaction at the positive electrode that produces H+ ions. The H+ ions reduce the pH in that container.

The amount of ions produced is proportional to the total amount of charge supplied, so the pH will change so long as the current flows.

WW