Metal Extraction

We extract copper metal from copper chloride solution using electrolysis. The electric current causes copper to form at one electrode and chlorine gas to form at the other. The presence of chlorine is tested using blue litmus paper.

Chemistry - Reactions - Learning Points.
Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or in solution because the ions are free to move.
Direct current (DC) is required for electrolysis.
Carbon electrodes are used because graphite contains delocalised electrons and can conduct electricity as a solid.
Metal ions are positive and so metals form at the negative electrode.
Electrolysis is used to extract the most reactive metals from their ores.

A Twig Experiment Film.
Let students experience real experiments in lab conditions anywhere, from setup, method all the way through to analysis and real-world application.