Am following some internet instructions to create iron-oxide. However there appears to be an error. Instructions say to attach a nail to the positive lead of a 12v power supply and submerge the nail and the negative lead into saltwater overnight.
Following the instructions to make sure you know positive from negative, I have a 12v dc power supply. I have put both leads into saltwater and the positive lead is supposed to bubble. I then am instructed to put a nail on the positive lead and overnight this will form iron-oxide. The problem is the negative lead is creating bubbles. So my question is as follows. Is the negative or the positive lead supposed to bubble? and which lead should the nail be attached to?
2007-12-29 19:38:37 · 1 answers · asked by seanb_111 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
You will get bubbling at both electrodes - some hydrogen and chlorine (or a chlorine/oxygen mixture) will be given off.
The nail is definitely supposed to be positive.
To reduce the bubbling, place the submerged leads further apart in the solution, or make the salt water more dilute.
2007-12-29 19:47:37 · answer #1 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋