Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Chemistry IA 2  

How does increasing the concentration

of copper (II) nitrate solution in a
voltaic cell affect the voltage produced?  

Jessica Pearce

Word Count: 4,174

16 March, 2014
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Design 
Introduction

Voltaic cells are electrochemical cells that use a reduction reaction to produce electrical
energy.1 They are used in many rechargeable electronic devices such as batteries, as well as
in solar panels and electric cars. Batteries are used to create electrical energy, due to the
 potential differences between the two electrodes and electrolytes inside the battery. As
 batteries mimic voltaic cells this investigation shall aim to investigate whether the change in
one electrolytes, copper (II) nitrate, has an effect on the potential difference. The cell consists
of a cathode and an anode which are submerged into solutions which contain cations and
anions of the respective electrode metals. In this investigation the voltaic cell consist of a
 potassium salt bridge (KNO3), an zinc anode Zn(NO3)2, and a copper cathode Cu(NO 3)2. In
this experiment, copper will undergo reduction as it is the less reactive of the two metals,
meaning that the copper ions in the copper nitrate solution will start forming on the copper
metal electrode. The reaction that occurs during a voltaic cell is as follows:

The half reaction that occurs in the anode is the oxidation of Zn ions to Zn 2+:

()       

The half reaction that occurs in the cathode is the reduction of Cu 2+ ions to Cu:

       () 

Therefore the overall reaction is as follows:

()       
       () 
   ()  ()   

This experiment aims to determine how a change in concentration of copper (II) nitrate
solutions will affect the voltage produced in the cell. This will be done by adding in the mass

1
 "Voltaic Cells." Voltaic Cells. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
http://www.chem.wisc.edu/deptfiles/genchem/netorial/rottosen/tutorial/modules/electrochemistry/03voltai
c_cells/18_31.htm 
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

of 0.1M copper (II) nitrate. This experiment is significant as it allows us to deduce what
concentration copper solution will yield the highest voltage, which is an experiment which
could have industrial uses.

Background information

Voltage or potential difference is the electrical force that drives an electric current between
two points.2 Voltage is measured through the cell’s potential difference; which can be
calculated using the equation below:

o o o
E cell = Ereduction + Eoxidation 

Usually when we measure the voltage it is under a standard state, whereby the concentration
1 mole per liter (1 M) and has a pressure of 1 atmosphere at 25 .3 If we were to calculate the
voltage of a zinc and copper nitrate reaction under standard cell potential we would receive,
1.101V.4 This is shown below.

Oxidation: ()       

      (  )    


Reduction:      () 

     

Overall:   ()  ()   

     

2
"Current vs Voltage." Diffen. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Current_vs_Voltage 
3
 "Electrochemical_Cell_Potentials." Electrochemical_Cell_Potentials. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/howtosolveit/electrochem/electrochemical_cell_potentials.htm 
4
 "Electrochemical_Cell_Potentials." Electrochemical_Cell_Potentials. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/howtosolveit/electrochem/electrochemical_cell_potentials.htm 
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

However as this investigation analyses the the impact of an increase in concentration we need
to use the non-standard state cell potential, whereby the concentration of copper is increasing.
The non- standard state cell potential is when the conditions are other than standard state
(concentrations not 1 molar and/or pressures not 1 atmosphere). 5  Usually in this situation to
calculate the voltage produced under non-standard conditions, the following equation would
 be used:

    ()   

Whereby:
Ecell = cell potential at non-standard state conditions
Ecell = standard state cell potential
R = constant (8.31 J/mole K)
T = absolute temperature (Kelvin scale)
F = Faraday's constant (96,485 C/mole e-)
n = number of moles of electrons transferred in the balanced equation for the reaction occurring in the
cell
Q = reaction quotient for the reaction. aA + bB --> cC + dD,

However by using a water bath I was able to keep the temperature at a constant of 25 , in
which case the equation simplifies to:

    ()   

Furthermore the reaction quotient Q is now represented as:

  
  
 

Therefore in relation to this investigation’s voltaic cell, Zn2+ the anode is divided by Cu 2+ the
cathode:

 
  
 

5
 "Electrochemical_Cell_Potentials." Electrochemical_Cell_Potentials. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/howtosolveit/electrochem/electrochemical_cell_potentials.htm 
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

So when we plug these values in we see that the value of Q decreases, due to an increase in
cathode concentration. Therefore there is less potential cell difference, meaning that there is
less subtracted from the Ecell, thereby increasing the voltage produced. 

Risk Assessment

   As a variety of chemicals will be used, a lab coat, goggles and gloves must be worn in
all times in order to protect clothing, eyes and skin.
   Furthermore chemicals should not be inhaled, in order to prevent any harmful
chemicals from entering the body. To prevent this the chemicals should be kept arm’s
length away from the face at all times.
   When using the water bath it is very important to keep the voltmeter and wires away
from the distilled water inside the tub.

Research Question

How does a change in the concentration of zinc and iron solution affect the voltage produced
in a voltaic cell?

Variables

Variable Variable Description Method of Controlling

Variable
Independent Concentration of copper (II) The initial 0.1mol/dm (M) of
nitrate solution used in each copper (II) nitrate solution
trial of the experiment. will be made by adding
(3.751±0.001g) to 200  of
distilled water into a 500   
 beaker. Then after each trial
an extra 0.1M of copper (II)
nitrate crystals will be added
to the solution, in order to
increase its concentration.
The copper (II) nitrate
crystals will be measured out
 by using a 3 decimal scale,
and then the 200  of
distilled water will be
measured out using a 250   
±5 graduated cylinder.
This solution will then be
 poured into a 500 beaker.
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Dependent The voltage being produced by The cell potential (voltage)

the two electrodes which is  produced by the two voltaic
measured by the voltmeter cell will be measured using a
voltmeter.
Controlled Concentration of the zinc The concentration of zinc
nitrate solution. nitrate was kept at the same
concentration of 0.1M. The
solution was made by
measuring out  
on a 3 decimal scale,
and then placing them in a
500 beaker. Then the
200  of distilled water was
measured out using a 250   
±5 graduated cylinder.
This was then poured into the
500 beaker and dissolved.
Controlled Concentration of potassium A concentration of 0.1M
nitrate in the salt bridge  potassium nitrate was made to
 be used for the paper towel
salt bridge. This was done by
measuring out  
  of potassium crystals
onto a 3 decimal scale, and
adding 200   of distilled
water which were measured
out using a 250   
±5 graduated cylinder.
This solution was then
dissolved in a 500  beaker.
Three paper towels were then
twisted together and soaked in
the potassium nitrate solution.
It was then placed as the salt
 bridge across the two beakers
which constituted the voltaic
cell.
Controlled Material of cathode and anode Copper was used for the
cathode and zinc was used for
the anode. The same pieces
were reused for each trial.
Controlled A constant temperature of By placing all three beakers
25 was kept during the inside the water bath during
reaction the reaction, this ensured that
the temperate was held
constant at 25 
Controlled Voltmeter used The same voltmeter was used
for all 5 trials, ensuring that
the equipment used to collect
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

the data was held constant .

Controlled Volume of distilled water The same 250   
±5 graduated cylinder,
was used to measure out all of
the distilled water.

Materials

   Copper metal
   Zinc metal
   Distilled water (       )
   Copper Cu(NO3)2 powder (       )
   Zinc Zn(NO3)2 powder (  )
   KNO3 (  ) 
   3 x 500 beakers
   250  ±5  graduated cylinder
   Voltmeter
   Wires
   Alligator clips
   3 plastic weighing boats
   3 paper towels
   3 stirring rod
   3 decimal scale (accuracy of ±0.001g)
   3 scoopula

Calculations

KNO3 Solution:

The chosen concentration for the KNO3 solution in the salt bridge was 0.1 mol/dm 3(M) , as
this is the concentration of the Zn(NO3)2 solution and starting concentration of the Cu(NO 3)2 
solution.

In order to find the mass of KNO 3 crystals needed to make 200   of 0.1M solution:
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Where: 
  
C = The concentration of the 
solution (   or M) 
V = The volume of the solution

measured (  )     
n = The molarity of the solution 
(mol )
   
Where:
n= The molarity of the solution
 (mol) 
   m = The mass of the compound ( g)
 Mr = The molar mass of the
 compound ()
   
    (  ) 


   


   

 Procedure:
1.  Place a plastic weigh boat on the 3 decimal scales, and then tare the scale.
2.  Then using a scoopula, measure out    of KNO3. Add this into the
 beaker.
3.  Using the 250   ±5  graduated cylinder measure out 200  of distilled water.
4.  Dissolve the contents of the beaker using the stirring rod.

Uncertainties:

The mass of the KNO3 crystals were measured using a three point decimal scale, therefore the
uncertainty in the measurements is . The 200 of water was measured out in a
250 graduated cylinder, which has holds an uncertainty of .

Furthermore the percentage uncertainty values are as follows:


     



      x 100 = ± 0.049%



      x 100 = ± 0.250%

 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

          

Zn(NO3)2 Solution:

0.1M was chosen as the starting concentration for the Zn(NO 3)2 solution, the same starting
concentration as the copper (II) nitrate solution. In order to calculate the mass required to
make a  of 0.1M solution of Zn(NO 3)2, the number of moles of the compound
required must first be calculated. To calculate the number of moles required, the following
equation was used:

Where: 
C = The concentration of the   

solution (   or M) 
V = The volume of the solution   
measured (  )    
n = The molarity of the solution   
(mol )
    

Where:
 n= The molarity
   of the solution

(mol) 
 m = The mass of
    the compound ( g)
  ((  (  )) 
Mr = The molar
 mass of the
    compound
 
()
   

 Procedure:
1.  Place a plastic weigh boat on the 3 decimal scales, and then tare the scale.
2.  Then using a scoopula, measure out     of Zn(NO3)2. Add this into the
 beaker.
3.  Using the 250   ±5  graduated cylinder measure out 200  of distilled water.
4.  Briefly dissolve the contents of the beaker using the stirring rod.
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Uncertainties:

The mass of the Zn(NO3)2 crystals were measured using a three point decimal scale, therefore
the uncertainty in the measurements is . The 200  of water was measured out in
a 250 graduated cylinder, which has holds an uncertainty of  .

Furthermore the percentage uncertainty values are as follows:


     



      x 100 = ± 0.026%



      x 100 = ± 0.250%


         

Cu(NO3)2 Solution:

To produce the mass of copper (II) nitrate required in order to make a 200   of 0.1M
solution, the following calculations need to be performed.


Where:   

C = The concentration of the
solution (   or M)    
V = The volume of the solution   
measured (  )    
n = The molarity of the solution
(mol/M )      Where:
 N= The molarity
of the solution
(mol) 
 m = The mass of
   the compound ( g)

Mr = The molar
 mass of the
    compound
(  ((  (  )) 
()

   


   
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

 Procedure:
1.  Place a plastic weigh boat on the 3 decimal scales, and then tare the scale.
2.  Then using a scoopula, measure out     of Cu(NO3)2. Add this into the
 beaker.
3.  Using the 250   ±5  graduated cylinder measure out 200  of distilled water.
4.  Briefly dissolve the contents of the beaker using the stirring rod.

Uncertainties:

Once again, the same uncertainty ratio’s need to be applied as the same equipment was used. 
So the mass of the Cu(NO 3)2 crystals were measured using a three point decimal scale,
therefore the uncertainty in the measurements is . The 200  of water was
measured out in a 250  graduated cylinder, which has holds an uncertainty of  .


     



      x 100    



      x 100 =   


          

This uncertainty will, however, not have a significant impact on the outcome of this
experiment, as it will affect every trial equally.

Method

1.  Using the above calculations prepare the solution of KNO 3:

a.  Begin by measuring out    of KNO3 crystals by using a 3
decimal scale and placing it in a 500   beaker.
 b.  Then measure out 200   of distilled water in a 250     graduated
cylinder and add to the beaker. Stir until the KNO3 has dissolved.
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

2.  Using the above calculations prepare the Zn(NO3)2 solution:

a.  The Zn(NO3)2 is a powder, which must be measured out using a weighing boat
and a 3 decimal scale. Measure out of    of Zn(NO3)2.
 b.  Then measure out 200   of distilled water into a 250     
graduated cylinder, and then place into a 500   beaker and dissolve the
   of Zn(NO 3)2.

3.  Using the above calculations prepare the solution of Cu(NO 3)2:
a.  Begin by measuring out    of Cu(NO3)2 crystals by using a 3
decimal scale and placing it in a 500   beaker.
 b.  Then measure out 200   of distilled water into a 250     
graduated cylinder, and then place into a 500   beaker and dissolve the
   of Zn(NO 3)2.

4.  Then place the zinc electrode into the 0.1M zinc nitrate solution, and the copper
electrode into the 0.1M copper nitrate solution.

5.  Set up the water bath:

a.  Fill the water bath with distilled water and then set the temperature to 25  
(allow 5 minutes for warming up).
 b.  Then place both beakers (half-cells) inside the water bath.

6.  Create the salt bridge by twisting the three paper towels together and submerge them
inside the KNO3 solution for 15 seconds.
a.  Then remove the paper towels from the solution, and place the salt bridge
across both cells, making sure that each end was submersed in each of the two
half-cells.

7.  Set up the voltmeter by connecting the necessary wires with alligator clips to the zinc
anode and copper cathode.
a.  Make sure to not let the wires and voltmeter touch the water.

8.  Then record the voltage produced by 0.1M of copper (II) nitrate.
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

9.  Then add in another    of Cu(NO3)2 crystals in order to increase the
concentration from 0.1M to 0.2M. Once again record the voltage produced.

10. Repeat this procedure until a concentration of 0.5M copper (II) nitrate solution has
 been achieved.

11. After this remove the contents of the Cu(NO3)2 beaker, and recreate a 0.1M solution.

12. Repeat steps 8-11 for another 4 trails, continually increasing the concentration by
0.1M and recording the results.

13. After all necessary data was collected; all equipment was thoroughly cleaned and
stored.

Illustration
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Data Collection and Presentation

Raw Data

Table 1: Cell potential/ voltage potential (V) produced from 0.1 mol/dm3 concentration of
copper (II) nitrate.

Concentration Concentration Concentration

Voltage
of KNO3  of Zu(NO3 )2  of Cu(NO3 )2 
Trial  produced
(mol/dm3 ) (mol/dm3 )  (mol/dm3 ) 
±0.001 V
±0.299% ±0.276% ±0.276%

1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.665

2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.663
3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.664
4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.667
5 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.666

In order to calculate the average voltage produced by 0.1 M concentration of copper (II)
nitrate, the following calculation must be used:

    

̅ () 
    

        

̅   

̅     

Uncertainty Value:

  
   


  
       ( )     


     


         (  )      

 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Table 2: Cell potential/ voltage potential (V) produced from 0.2 mol/dm3 concentration of
copper (II) nitrate.

Concentration Concentration Concentration

Voltage
of KNO3  of Zu(NO3 )2  of Cu(NO3 )2 
Trial  produced
(mol/dm3 ) (mol/dm3 )  (mol/dm3 ) 
±0.001 V
±0.299% ±0.276% ±0.276%

1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.699

2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.695
3 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.689
4 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.690
5 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.666
Average voltage produced by 0.2M of copper (II) nitrate:

        

̅   

̅     

Uncertainty Value:

  
       ( )     



         (  )      


Table 3: Cell potential/ voltage potential (V) produced from 0.3 mol/dm3 concentration of
copper (II) nitrate.

Concentration Concentration Concentration

Voltage
of KNO3  of Zu(NO3 )2  of Cu(NO3 )2 
Trial  produced
(mol/dm3 ) (mol/dm3 )  (mol/dm3 ) 
±0.001 V
±0.299% ±0.276% ±0.276%

1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.701

2 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.705
3 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.704
4 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.708
5 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.709
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Average voltage produced by 0.3 M of copper (II) nitrate:

        

̅   

̅     

Uncertainty Value:

  
       ( )     



         (  )      


Table 4: Cell potential/ voltage potential (V) produced from 0.4 mol/dm3 concentration of
copper (II) nitrate.

Concentration Concentration Concentration

Voltage
of KNO3  of Zu(NO3 )2  of Cu(NO3 )2 
Trial  produced
(mol/dm3 ) (mol/dm3 )  (mol/dm3 ) 
±0.001 V
±0.299% ±0.276% ±0.276%

1 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.714

2 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.718
3 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.719
4 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.720
5 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.718
Average voltage produced by 0.4 M of copper (II) nitrate:

        

̅   

̅   V

Uncertainty Value:

  
       (  )     



         (  )      

 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Table 5: Cell potential/ voltage potential (V) produced from 0.5 mol/dm3 concentration of
copper (II) nitrate.

Concentration Concentration Concentration

Voltage
of KNO3  of Zu(NO3 )2  of Cu(NO3 )2 
Trial  produced
(mol/dm3 ) (mol/dm3 )  (mol/dm3 ) 
±0.001 V
±0.299% ±0.276% ±0.276%

1 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.737

2 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.729
3 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.723
4 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.721
5 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.739
Average voltage produced by 0.5 M of copper (II) nitrate:

        

̅   

̅     

Uncertainty Value:

  
       (  )     



         (  )      

 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Processed Data  

Table 6: Average voltage produced by increasing concentration of copper (II) nitrate in a

voltaic cell.

Concentration Concentration Concentration of

Voltage
of KNO3  of Zu(NO3 )2  Cu(NO3 )2 
 produced
(mol/dm3 ) (mol/dm3 )  (mol/dm3 ) 
±0.001 V
±0.299% ±0.276% ±0.276%

0.1 0.1 0.1 0.665

0.1 0.1 0.2 0.6878
0.1 0.1 0.3 0.7054
0.1 0.1 0.4 0.7178
0.1 0.1 0.5 0.7298
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Conclusion and Evaluation

The graph above shows the clear relationship between the concentrations of the copper (II)
nitrate solution vs. the voltage produced. There is a clear positive and proportional
relationship between the two variables. The first concentration of copper (II) nitrate (0.1M)
resulted in cell potential of 0.665± 0.001 V, while the second concentration of copper (II)
nitrate (0.2M) resulted in a cell potential of 0.688 ± 0.001 V, and so on. Thus it is apparent
that as the concentration increases, the cell potential does as well. This is justified due to the
 Nerst equation, which was explained before in the background. Whereby decreasing the value
of Q, due to an increase in cathode concentration, results in is less potential cell difference,
thereby increasing the voltage produced.

Another interesting relationship to comment on is how the results related to the theoretical
standard state cell potential. Whereby the larger the concentration (0.5 ˃ 0.1) and the closer
the concentration gets to 1.0M, the closer the voltage gets towards 1.101 V. Even though
these results did follow the theory of an increasing voltage, due to an increase in the
concentration of a copper cathode, there are still many errors which may have altered the
results. These possibilities are discussed below:

Evaluation of Weaknesses, Limitations and Errors:

Type of Error Error Solution

Systematic  Potential inaccuracy of Firstly by setting a specific
voltmeter time for when the results
Even though the same should be measured would
voltmeter was used in order to  be a big improvement.
measure the amount of volts Secondly by either cross-
 being produced by the voltaic referencing the weight with
cell, often there was never one another voltmeter (testing
significant value. The the same concentration but
readings would often alternate with another voltmeter)
and vary, in other words there would be a simple way to
was no stable reading. This check the result. Or finally
error is somewhat significant use a more accurate
as there was not a set time for voltmeter in order to reduce
measuring the reading. the variance.
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Systematic  Misreading of equipment Even though all the

As readings relied on the equipment was measured on
human eye this may have a flat, even surface, another
easily happened when using way to ensure accuracy
the graduated cylinder, to would be reading the
measure out the distilled graduated cylinders from the
water. This is an issue as it same angle.
may have slightly diluted the
solution, which would have
slightly altered the
concentration. 
Systematic  Re-use of weighing boats In future I would simply
Whilst I assigned separate measure out each sample on
weighing boats towards an unused weighing boat.
individual chemicals, I did
reuse the same boat for the
measurement of copper (II)
nitrate. This is an issue as
there may have excess residue
from the last measurement,
and seeing as each time I tared
the weighing boat before
measurement this would have
gone unnoticed- and would
have not been calculated into
that trials measurement.
Systematic  Lack of timing This proved as a significant
Instead of using a timer to error, as the results are to an
keep track of how long the extent unmonitored. By
voltaic cell had been allowing certain trial a
conducting, I simply waited longer amount of time to
until a relatively steady volt  produce energy, this could
reading was reached. have allowed a larger
Although most trials were amount of zinc deposit to
measured around 3 minutes  build up.
Random  Re-use of the same salt-bridge I would create a new salt
It is possible that the salt  bridge every trial with the
 bridge dried up over time as same amount of paper
many trials were carried out. towels and reused the same
This could have affected the solution from the original.
voltage as it would have However, this would create
affected its functioning as a the problem of the salt
salt bridge.  bridge sometimes having
more or less solution after
 being wringed after each
trial.
Random  Excess produce from the salt If available I would use a
bridge glass salt bridge. If this was
The most important part of the not available I would try to
salt bridge is that each end of ensure that there was no
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

the paper towel is in each excess solution on the salt

separate solution. However if  bridge by hanging it in the
the salt bridge had excess air for 10 seconds. This
solution on it from not being would ensure that there was
 properly rinsed –  this could no excess solution available
have contaminated the two to contaminate the two other
solutions as the KNO3 solutions.
solution dripped into the two
 beakers. This would have
affected the voltage produced
as it would have slightly
affected the molarity in each
solution.
Random Surface area of the metals In future I would measure
In this experiment I did not and hand-cut out two
hand cut the metals to the identical pieces of zinc and
exact same size, I simply used copper metal. In doing so
two pieces of metal available. this would there would be
With this is mind the pieces of improved accuracy and
metal seemed to be the same reliability from the data as
size. This is an issue as it  both electrodes would have
could have drastically altered almost identical surface
the amount of volume area, reducing any possible
 produced. change in voltages produced
 by that.
Random  Re-use of zinc solution In future I would for each
Since the concentration of new trail I would create a
copper was increasing within new zinc half-cell. In doing
the same half- cell, resulting so this would ensure that the
oxides on the zinc electrode measurements were an
may still be present. This is accurate representation of
error is somewhat significant. the increasing concentration
of copper (II) nitrate.
Furthermore after each
individual reading I would
wipe down the electrodes
with a paper towel.
Random  Re-use of copper beaker In future I would either
When beginning a new trial I thoroughly cleanse the
simply drained the previous  beaker by rinsing, cleaning
solution and gave it a quick and drying the beaker before
rinse. In doing so this allowed reuse. Or simply use a new
for either copper (II) nitrate  beaker for each trial.
residue to be present in the
 beaker or even water. Both of
which had the potential to
alter the new concentration of
copper.
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Evaluation

In future in order to ensure more accurate and reliable results, all of the above improvements
would have been made. However after reflecting upon the weaknesses, limitations and errors
of this experiment, it becomes evident which errors held the most significance. These errors
were in relation to the salt bridge. As described beforehand the salt bridge was a key
weakness as it was continually reused throughout the entire experiment. Furthermore it also
had the potential to contaminate both electrodes. The reused salt-bridge may have dried up,
therefore constricting the quantity of electron transfer between the two solutions. Meaning
that the earlier trials would have held more accurate results, as the later would have
experienced the impact of the reduced quantity of ions being transferred. Secondly the
contamination of the cells would have led to slightly different concentrations than originally
recorded. However if this were the case, all trials would have been equally affected, therefore
the error is less significant.

Finally this investigation was successful as it not only was successfully conducted, but it also
followed the chemical theory. This was not only seen by using the Nerst equation, but also by
Le Chateliers Principle6. As the concentration of the copper (II) nitrate cathode electrolyte
was increased, this resulted in more electrons being produced, thus resulting in a higher cell
 potential.

6
 "IB Chemistry Review." : Topic 7: Equilibrium. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. http://ibchemistry-
review.blogspot.ch/p/topic-7-equilibrium.html 
 

Chemistry IA 2 Candidate Number: 001170-050

Works Cited:

  "Voltaic Cells." Voltaic Cells. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.

http://www.chem.wisc.edu/deptfiles/genchem/netorial/rottosen/tutorial/modules/electr 
ochemistry/03voltaic_cells/18_31.htm

  "Current vs Voltage." Diffen. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.

http://www.diffen.com/difference/Current_vs_Voltage 

  "Electrochemical_Cell_Potentials." Electrochemical_Cell_Potentials. N.p., n.d. Web.

19 Mar. 2014.
http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/howtosolveit/electrochem/electrochemical_cell_ 
 potentials.htm 
  "IB Chemistry Review." : Topic 7: Equilibrium. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
http://ibchemistry-review.blogspot.ch/p/topic-7-equilibrium.html