Breaking up Molecules

Question: Can we speed up the separation of water molecules?

Hypothesis: We predict that we can make separation of the water molecules go faster.

Our Experiment

Materials: 

• 9 volt batteries
• water
•  wires 
• cups
• salt
• electrical tape
• vinegar
• sugar
• ice
• metric ruler

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Safety Procedures

Do not complete the circuit with your body and don’t put your fingers in the water. Adult help required for handling hot water.

Procedure:

1. Gather all materials.
2. Apply the 2 wires to the 9 volt battery.
3. Use electrical tape to secure the wires on the battery.
4. fill pan with water.
5. add 1 tablespoon of salt.
6. strip the wires so one inch is exposed
7. fill the test tube with water. Make sure there are no air bubbles.
8. put the open part of the wires into the test tube.
9. let an electric current run into the test tubes for 30 minutes. 
10. record data by measuring the hydrogen gas collected at the end of the test tube with a metric ruler. ( The negative wire is the hydrogen)

11. Repeat steps 1-10 testing different variables.

The Science behind it

 The molecules will separate because running a electrical current through the water breaks the bond between the hydrogen and the oxygen atoms causing them to separate. Adding salt speeds up the process because it allows the current to move faster.

Conclusion

We reject our hypothesis because the base line experiment, room temperature salt water and one 9 volt 
battery, separates the water molecules the fastest.

Faith

I am 11 years old. I play the French Horn. I also do tae kwon do. I like science.

Michael

I am 11 years old. I play the trombone and science is my favorite subject. I also love to play soccer.