Petri Dish Electrolysis

Electrolysis is defined as the decomposition of a substance by means of an electric current. When an electric current is passed through an aqueous solution containing an electrolyte, the water molecules decompose via an oxidation–reduction reaction. Oxygen gas is generated at the anode, hydrogen gas at the cathode. Depending on the nature of the electrolyte, different reactions may take place at the anode and the cathode during the electrolysis of aqueous solutions. Build simple and inexpensive electrochemical cells using Petri dishes to compare the reactions of sodium sulfate, potassium iodide, and tin(II) chloride.