Objectives:

1. To assemble a voltaic cell.

2. To illustrate the electrochemical nature of corrosion of iron.
3. To demonstrate cathodic protection.
Interpretation of Results
Our data showed that the zinc sulfate is the anode and the copper sulfate was the cathode.
Anode and cathode are defined by the flow of current. Cathodes are negatively charged
electrodes the source of electrons or an electron donor. It accepts or attracts cations (positive
charges). Anodes are positively charged electrodes that attracts electrons or anions. Anodes are
source of positive charges or an electron acceptor.
Apparently, the zinc electrode became oxidized. Oxidation occurs when a reactant loses
electrons during the reaction. The copper electrode is reduced. Reduction occurs when a
reactant gains electrons during the reaction. Visually, the zinc electrode became thinner and
the copper electrode became thicker.
Upon testing the products of corrosion of iron, we observed that the Fe 2+ ion reacted with
potassium ferricyanide was deep blue/navy blue. Adding phenolphtalein was added to the
solution that contained OH- gave a pinkish-purple hue to it. This is caused by corrosion.
Corrosion is a process where it converts a refined metal to a more stable form with the
environment such as oxides, hydroxides, or sulfides. Oxidation happens and it subjects the
metal to gradual destruction. When the solution is combined with potassium ferricyanide,
reduction happens because it gains electrons. And when the other solution is combined with
phenolphtalein, oxidation happened because it losed electrons. This was observed through the
color change, indicating the respective reactions.
Redox sites and cathodic protection was shown as an experiment on nails layed with cotton on
two seprate petri-dishes; and nails were straight and bent. We observed that oxidation took
place at the tip and middle of the bent nail, while it took place at the tip and end part of
unbent nail. Reduction took place at the tip of the unbent iron, while it also took place in the
middle part of the bent iron. Upon generalizing the effect of metal straight to corrosion of iron,
metal strain causes more chances of corrosion in iron.
Cathodic protection is for protection of iron against corrosion. We are asked which of the two
metals, magnesium or copper, can be used to protect the iron. We found out that magnesium
protects the iron because upon referring to the activity series of metals, magnesium more
active than copper. Therefore, it acts as a sacrificial anode. Sacrificial anodes are metals that are
oxidized more quickly. Hence, saving the refined metal.
Conclusion:
On the first part of this experiment, we observed that the RedOx reaction (Zinc-Copper Voltaic
Cell), generates electricity made up of two half-cells. This acts pretty much like a battery. It is
joined by a salt bridge (the U-shaped tube) that gives way to the flow of electrons upon the
half-cells, zinc and copper. Voltaic cells are consist of two half-cells, such that the electrode of
one half-cell is composed of a some metal, x. And the other electrode of the half-cell is metal y.
Metal x is the anode that oxidizes or losses and electron where in y is the cathode that reduces
or gains an electron.
Second part of the experiment pertains to demonstrating the electrochemical nature of the
corrosion of iron. We define corrosion as the natural process in metals that decreases their
energy states by losing electrons due to natural oxidizers in the environment. Therefore, this
makes them more chemically stable: decreasing activity. On the bad side of corrosion, this
weakens the metal physically.
Cathodic protection is a way of shielding the metal against corrosion. This is done by directing
the oxidation reaction at the anodes, therefore blocking (or minimizing) corrosion of the
cathodes. There are a few ways of protecting the cathodes against corrosion. A few tips will be
using sacrificial anodes: an alloy with a more active metal (galvanizing or some alloys
combination such as zinc and magnesium) or applying paint as protective coating.