Big Manny’s Electrolysis experiment

Big Manny’s electrolysis experiment kicks off your GCSE science revision with a hands-on demonstration – clearly showing how electricity splits a sulfate solution into its elements using carbon electrodes and an electric current.

Electrolysis experiment

Big Manny’s electrolysis experiment brings science to life by actively demonstrating how electricity splits aqueous or molten solutions into their component elements. Using a sulfate solution, two carbon electrodes, and a steady electric current, he clearly shows the step-by-step process of electrolysis – making it easier to understand and remember for your GCSE science revision.

What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is the forces of splitting the aqueous or molten solutions using electricity. Now Electro means electricity and lysis means to split or break apart.

Electrolysis experiment with sulfate solution

Here we have a solution of copper sulfate, and we can separate the copper metal from the sulfate ions by using electricity.

And so, what I have here is 2 carbon electrodes and what we’re going to do is attach some crocodile clips to both of them. I’m going to put one there and I’m gonna put the other one here.

Now, we’re going to place the two carbon electrodes into the copper sulfate solution and immediately run an electric current through the copper sulfate to kickstart the electrolysis process.

So, when you look at the copper sulfate solution, you’ll notice a lot of oxygen bubbles being produced at the anode. That’s because the negatively charged hydroxide ions in the solution are being attracted to the positively charged anode. Once they reach the anode, they are oxidised, losing an electron and turning it into oxygen gas. This is an example of the Oxidation process. 

Now when we take the carbon electrodes out of the copper sulphate solution, we can see a large build up of copper metal. And the reason why is because copper ions gain 2 electrons – they’re reduced. They turn into solid copper atoms that stick to the electrode. 

How Big Manny’s Electrolysis experiment supports your GCSE Science revision?

This process helps students understand key GCSE concepts like ionic bonding, chemical reactions, and the role of electricity in chemistry.

Found this electrolysis You Tube article useful? Watch more from Big Manny on the Oxford Revise YouTube Channel.

GCSE Science Revision Guides