Roberta A. Mazzucco
Hydrogen is a potential energy source for the future. Hydrogen is the simplest known element. It doesn't exist in significant amounts on earth as a gas. It is normally connected to other elements. Combined with oxygen it makes water. Hydrogen can be one of the bi-products of biomass. Hydrogen is used by NASA to power the space shuttle. Huge tanks of hydrogen lift the shuttle into space and hydrogen fuel cells provide it with electrical power. The only waste product is pure water, which the astronauts use for their drinking water.
The problem with hydrogen is that it is expensive to make, but the technology is improving. The following activity gives you the chance to split water molecules (Electrolysis) into oxygen and hydrogen molecules.
Activity 8: Electrolysis
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Materials: 100 (ml) of warm water, 2 cubic centimeters of salt (salt helps the current move through the water), 6-volt battery, 2 sets of alligator clips and wires, 2 large metal
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1. Paper clips, small flat plastic dish, safety glasses
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2. Mix salt and water in dish until it dissolves.
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3. Bend the outer part of each clip up so it forms a handle
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4. Connect one alligator clip to each battery terminal.
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5. Place the 2 paperclips into the water so they don't touch.
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6. Observe the paper clips.
In this experiment, only hydrogen bubbles will appear unless a non-corroding metal is used. There should be bubbles forming around each of the paper clips. There will be more hydrogen bubbles because each atom of water contains 2 hydrogen molecules. Hydrogen bubbles will form around the negative wire from the negative terminal; while the positive terminal will produce oxygen molecules.