Teacher Notes
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Teacher Notes![]() Create Your Very Own Simple BatteryGuided-Inquiry KitMaterials Included In Kit
Copper(II) sulfate solution, CuSO4, 1 M, 500 mL
Magnesium ribbon, Mg, 6 ft Sodium sulfate solution, Na2SO4, 1 M, 375 mL Copper foil conductive adhesive, Cu, 12" piece, 2 Filter paper, 100 sheets LEDs, clear, red, 24 Sand paper (shared) Additional Materials Required
(for each lab group)
Water, deionized or distilled Graduated cylinders, 10-mL, 12 Pipets, 12 Scissors, 12 Tweezers, 12 Weigh boats, medium, 24 Safety PrecautionsThe copper(II) sulfate solution is harmful if swallowed and causes serious skin and eye irritation. The sodium sulfate solution may be harmful if in contact with skin. Magnesium ribbon is a flammable solid. Wear chemical splash goggles, chemical-resistant gloves and a chemical-resistant apron. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the laboratory. Please follow all laboratory safety guidelines. Remind students to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the laboratory. Please review current Safety Data Sheets for additional safety, handling and disposal information. DisposalPlease consult your current Flinn Scientific Catalog/Reference Manual for general guidelines and specific procedures, and review all federal, state and local regulations that may apply, before proceeding. You may save all materials, including solutions, for future labs. Any leftover copper(II) sulfate and sodium sulfate solutions may be flushed down the drain with excess water according to Flinn disposal method #26b. Treated filter papers may be placed in the trash according to Flinn disposal method #26a. Lab Hints
Teacher Tips
Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)†Science & Engineering PracticesDeveloping and using modelsConstructing explanations and designing solutions Planning and carrying out investigations Disciplinary Core IdeasHS-PS4.C: Information Technologies and InstrumentationHS-PS1.B: Chemical Reactions HS-PS2.B: Types of Interactions HS-PS3.A: Definitions of Energy HS-PS3.B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer HS-PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes HS-ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution Crosscutting ConceptsEnergy and matterStructure and function Patterns Cause and effect Stability and change Performance ExpectationsHS-PS1-2: Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties. Answers to Prelab Questions
Answers to Questions
ReferencesEggen, P.; Skaugrud, B. An Easy-to-Assemble Three-Part Galvanic Cell. J. Chem. Educ. 2015, 92 (6), 1053–1055. Recommended Products
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Student Pages
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Student Pages![]() Create Your Very Own Simple BatteryIntroductionAssemble your very own handheld, tiny battery with this student lab kit! Batteries have tremendous impacts in our everyday lives. Delve into galvanic and electrolytic cells—how are these types of cells related to batteries? Start making connections. A few simple materials are provided in order to successfully complete the lab and the procedure guides you to ensure success. Enjoy this fun learning experience and take pride in your battery creation! Concepts
BackgroundIn a galvanic cell, a spontaneous chemical reaction releases energy in the form of electricity (moving electrons). The chemical reaction that generates electricity in a battery is known as an oxidation–reduction reaction. Oxidation is a term used to describe when a substance loses electrons. Reduction describes a process in which a substance gains electrons. When a substance is oxidized and loses electrons, the resulting oxidized species becomes more positive. In a typical battery, the oxidized substance is converted from a neutral metal atom into a metal cation, or an ion with a positive charge. During reduction, a substance gains electrons and becomes more negative. The reduced substance is a metal cation that gains electrons to become a neutral metal atom. As an example, consider a cell made up of copper and aluminum half-cells. The copper reaction is an example of a reduction reaction and the aluminum reaction is the oxidation reaction. Cu2+(aq) + 2 e– → Cu(s) Reduction {12321_Background_Figure_1}
While electrolytic cells function in a similar manner to galvanic cells, in contrast, an electrolytic cell requires external energy for non-spontaneous oxidation-reduction reactions to occur. Figure 2 is an example of an electrolytic cell where an electric current is passed through an aqueous solution containing an electrolyte sodium sulfate (Na2SO4).
{12321_Background_Figure_2}
The water molecules break apart or decompose into their constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen. The overall reaction occurs as two separate, independent half-reactions. Reduction of the hydrogen atoms to elemental hydrogen (H2) occurs at the cathode (–) while oxidation of the oxygen atoms in water to elemental oxygen (O2) occurs at the anode (+). Each half-reaction is accompanied by the production of OH– or H+ ions as shown:
Cathode: 4e– + 4H2O → 2H2(g) + 4OH– Experiment OverviewThe purpose of this activity is to build a working battery from a few simple materials. Follow the instructions to prep the materials for your battery, then follow the guided procedure for assembly. An illuminated LED indicates successful completion of the activity! Materials
Copper foil conductive adhesive, Cu, 2-cm piece, 2
Copper(II) sulfate solution, CuSO4, 1.0 M, 5 mL Magnesium ribbon, Mg, 2-cm piece, 2 Sodium sulfate solution, Na2SO4, 1.0 M, 5 mL Water, deionized or distilled Filter paper, 1 Graduated cylinder, 10-mL, 1 LEDs, clear, red, 2 Paper towels Pipet, 1 Ruler Sand paper Scissors Tweezers Weigh boats, medium, 2 Prelab Questions
Safety PrecautionsThe copper(II) sulfate solution is harmful if swallowed and causes serious skin and eye irritation. The sodium sulfate solution may be harmful if in contact with skin. Magnesium ribbon is a flammable solid. Wear chemical splash goggles, chemical-resistant gloves and a chemical-resistant apron. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the laboratory. Please follow all laboratory safety guidelines. ProcedurePart I. Battery Materials Preparation
Student Worksheet PDF |