Salty Solutions
Learn the basics about the electrolysis of brine within the overall reactions topic.
How much use can we get out of salty water? Salty water, or brine, is a known iron oxidizer (it rusts iron and steel), but did you know that with a little electricity salty-water can be used to make a large number of useful products?
Today we learned about how solutions (but not pure water) can conduct electricity. We learned how it conducts electricity (with ions!), how molecules can be very different from the elements that compose them (sodium and chorine vs table salt!), and how electricity interacts with the chemicals in solution. For our activity, we separated hydrogen from water molecules and collected it in a test tube. To prove it was hydrogen gas (and for fun) we ignited the gas, resulting in a brief flash and a distinct *POP!* With the right solution, electrolysis can result in many chemicals we use everyday. At the start of class we also enjoyed the finalized 6 bit adder that was left over from last class.