Science presenter Jon Chase explains electrolysis.
He demonstrates how to electroplate a copper coin with zinc using a nail and dilute hydrochloric acid as the electrolyte. Jon uses an animation to explain the changes that take place at each electrode.
Teacher Notes
After watching this short film, students could research other applications of electrolysis, including the extraction of aluminium from aluminium oxide and the purification of copper.
Practical electrolysis could be carried out and pairs of metals compared to construct the electrochemical series.
Curriculum Notes
This short film will be relevant for teaching chemistry and science in general at KS3 and KS4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4/5 in Scotland.
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Solubility, solutes, solvents and solutions. video
Solubility of most solids increases with temperature, unlike most gases which decrease.
