Electrolysis Virtual Lab
Explore ion movement, electrode reactions, gas formation, metal deposition and the effect of voltage during electrolysis.
Select the experiment and switch the DC supply ON.
🔬 What Happens During Electrolysis?
Direct current creates an electric field through the electrolyte.
Positive ions migrate toward the negative cathode.
Negative ions migrate toward the positive anode.
Reduction occurs at the cathode and oxidation at the anode.
🎯 Aim
To study the movement of ions and electrode products during electrolysis using a direct-current electrical supply.
🧰 Apparatus
Virtual DC supply, beaker, electrolyte, electrodes, connecting wires, ammeter model and timer.
Electrolyte, electrode type and applied voltage.
📘 Theory
Electrolysis uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical change.
Species gain electrons.
Anode (+): Oxidation
Species lose electrons.
➖ Cathode
The cathode is connected to the negative terminal of the DC power supply in an electrolytic cell.
Positively charged ions are attracted toward it and may gain electrons.
➕ Anode
The anode is connected to the positive terminal of the DC power supply in an electrolytic cell.
Negatively charged ions move toward it, and oxidation reactions occur there.
🟦 Copper Sulfate Experiment
In the simplified copper sulfate model with suitable inert electrodes, copper ions can be reduced at the cathode:
A copper-colored deposit therefore appears on the cathode in the simulation.
With copper electrodes, electrode reactions differ because copper from the anode can enter solution while copper is deposited at the cathode.
🎯 Prediction Challenge
Where do positively charged ions move during electrolysis?
📊 Observation Table
| Trial | Electrolyte | Voltage | Electrodes | Time | Current | Charge | Cathode Product | Anode Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No observations recorded. | ||||||||
📝 Procedure
- Select an electrolyte.
- Select the electrode type.
- Choose the voltage.
- Observe the anode and cathode labels.
- Press Power ON.
- Observe the movement of positive and negative ions.
- Observe bubbles or electrode deposition.
- Note current, time and charge passed.
- Press Record to save the observation.
- Reset and repeat with different conditions.
🎓 Quick Viva
1. What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is the use of electrical energy to drive a chemical change through an electrolyte.
2. Which electrode is negative in an electrolytic cell?
The cathode.
3. Which electrode is positive?
The anode.
4. Where do cations move?
Cations move toward the cathode.
5. Where do anions move?
Anions move toward the anode.
6. What occurs at the cathode?
Reduction occurs at the cathode.
7. What occurs at the anode?
Oxidation occurs at the anode.
8. What is electric charge passed through the cell?
For constant current, charge can be calculated using Q = I × t, where Q is charge in coulombs, I is current in amperes and t is time in seconds.
9. Why must the liquid contain mobile ions?
Mobile ions carry electric charge through the electrolyte.
⚠️ Safety
This is a virtual experiment. Real electrolysis experiments can involve electricity, corrosive solutions and gases. They should be performed only with appropriate laboratory equipment, ventilation, eye protection and qualified supervision.
✅ Result
During electrolysis, positive ions migrate toward the cathode and negative ions toward the anode. Reduction occurs at the cathode and oxidation occurs at the anode. The electrode products depend on the electrolyte and electrode materials.