Determination of Avogadro's Number by Improved Electroplating

Carlos A. Seiglie
Natural Science Department, University of Puerto Rico–Utuado, Utuado, PR 00641-2500
J. Chem. Educ., 2003, 80 (6), p 668
DOI: 10.1021/ed080p668
Publication Date (Web): June 1, 2003
History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

A quick and accurate measurement of Avogadro‘s number from the amount of plated material can be made using a modification of an established electrolytic experiment. The experiment was modified to prevent loss of the copper plated at the cathode (copper plate) as a result of poor plating. The copper plating thus obtained was a firmly bonded and smooth layer, and the percent error of the results was reduced from approximately 20% to about 1% (the small error remaining is caused by the ammeter limits, not loss of plated mass). Control of the current during the experiment was also easier. If copper is not available it can be replaced by commonly available, inexpensive metals such as iron, zinc, or nickel.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Laboratory Instruction

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Electrochemistry
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History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

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