Renewable-Resources-(INQUIRYLAB)

Michael Vidaurre and Lauren Amor

=__**Renewable Resources (INQUIRY LAB)**__=

Problem Statement: The effect of __electrolysis__ on the environment

Background information by Michael: Electrolysis is a chemical decomposition which is occured by passing an electric current through a liquid or solution containing ions. Electrolysis affects the environment because it needs electricity to be generated so it uses energy from the environment to actually generate. The environment has energy that can be used for electrolysis. During electrolysis, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen, its similar to __how cars__ get energy from fuel. Electrolysis is also used for mining to split metals from their ores after they are taken from the ground. It is also used to cover things with metal because it costs less than using, for example, 100% pure solid gold to make jewelry. Many hair related companies use electrolysis to remove hair. This is done by "electrocuting" the hair so it splits along its root. This is usually done around the bikini line and genital area. An ionic compound is dissolved with a solvent, or otherwise melted by thermal energy, so that its ions are available in the liquid. An electrical current is applied between a pair of electrodes inside in the liquid. The negatively charged electrode is called the cathode, and the positively charged one the anode. Each electrode attracts ions which are of the opposite charge. Therefore, positively charged ions move towards the cathode, while negatively charged ions move toward the anode. The energy required to separate the ions, and cause them to gather at the respective electrodes, is provided by an electrical power supply. At the probes, electrons are absorbed or released by the ions, forming a collection of the desired element or compound. "2H2O(aq) → 2H2(g) + O2(g)" The energy that occurs during electrolysis is always different. It can go from 50%-60% to like 70%-80% amount of energy. This amount of energy is usually made by converting electrical energy to hydrogen's chemical energy. Energy lost not included.

Background information by Lauren: Electrolysis is a method of using a direct electric current to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is highly important as a stage in the separation of elements from naturally occurring sources such as ores using an electrolytic cell. The key process of electrolysis is the interchange of atoms by the addition of electrons from the external circuit. Temperature in the environment) doesn't necessarily affect the environment. However, electrolysis does occur more often in higher temperatures. The independent variable in this experiment is the environment or in this case is the bubbles. The dependent variable in the experiment will be the pencils, the temperature of the water, and the electrolysis. A very important use of electrolysis is to produce hydrogen. It's also used to power electrical motors. For example the formula for electrolysis "2H2O(aq) → 2H2(g) + O2(g)". Also, electrolysis has also lead to other discoveries such as Flourine when it was discovered by Henri Moisan in 1886.