Electrolysis of Water without Indicator
• Assemble the power supply for electrolysis. Attach alligator clips to the separate poles of the battery. Make sure that the wires from the clips do not touch each other.
• Attach an inert graphite pencil lead to the free straight end of each of the two alligator clips. (This may require taping, but make sure that at least 5 cm of lead is exposed beyond the tape or clip.)
• Place approximately 50 mL of distilled water into a clear glass container.
• Carefully align the power source so that only the two exposed graphite leads are immersed in the water about 1-3 cm apart. Keep this position for approximately two minutes. Observe the areas around the interface between the electrode leads and the solution and report any observations in the table that follows these directions.
• Repeat the previous task but place a few drops of vinegar into the distilled water. Observe and report any observations in the table that follows these directions.