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MSH Practical Laboratory Series
Lab 10: Electrolysis of Copper(II) Sulfate
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620
Printable Student Worksheet
Paper 5 / Paper 6 Skills
Topic: 4.1 Electrolysis | Student printable version
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Aim

To complete a practical investigation linked to 4.1 Electrolysis and develop IGCSE practical skills in observation, measurement, recording, analysis and evaluation.

Learning Objectives

Apparatus and Chemicals

Safety:

Risk Assessment Summary

Possible hazardSafety precautionEmergency response
Chemicals may irritate skin or eyes.Wear eye protection; avoid direct contact; use small quantities.Rinse affected area with plenty of water and inform the teacher.
Glassware, hot apparatus or flames may cause injury.Handle apparatus carefully; use test-tube holders; keep bags away from benches.Report breakages, burns or spills immediately.

Paper 5 / Paper 6 Practical Skills Checklist

I selected and used suitable apparatus safely.
I recorded observations and measurements clearly.
I used correct units and table headings.
I identified variables where appropriate.
I processed data or drew conclusions from evidence.
I evaluated the method and suggested improvements.

Method

  1. Pour copper(II) sulfate solution into a beaker.
  2. Set up the circuit with carbon electrodes.
  3. Switch on for a fixed time and record observations at each electrode.
  4. Repeat using copper electrodes if instructed.
  5. Compare colour changes and any deposits.
  6. Record mass changes if measured.

Results

Electrodes usedCathode observationAnode observationSolution colour changeMass change if measured
Carbon
Copper

Additional observations:

Analysis Questions

  1. Which electrode is the cathode?
  2. What was observed at the cathode?
  3. How did copper electrodes change the observations?
  4. Why must the time and current be controlled for a fair comparison?

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER)

Claim: What happened?Evidence: What data/observations support this?Reasoning: What chemistry explains it?

Conclusion

Compare the electrolysis observations using carbon and copper electrodes.

Evaluation

Identify one source of error and one improvement to the method.

Source of errorImprovement

Extension / Challenge

Write half-equations for the reactions at the electrodes.

Teacher Assessment (30 Marks Total)

CriterionMarks
Planning & Organisation5
Data Collection & Observations5
Processing & Analysis10
Evaluation & Improvements5
Conclusion5
Total30

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