How can I separate water into its main elements for a science project?

  • Thread starter AfterShave
  • Start date
In summary, the speaker is a 9th grade student looking for help with a science project that involves separating water into its main elements of Hydrogen and Oxygen. They have a theory that involves using pressure to keep oxygen on the bottom while hydrogen flows up, but they are unsure if it will work. Another person suggests using a chemical to separate the elements and collecting them through electrodes and a current.
  • #1
AfterShave
3
0
Hey Guys. I am new here and I need help with a science project. I am in 9th grade and wouldve posted in the 6-12 room, however nobody k-12 would know how to do what I need to know how to do. So this is what I need to know:


As part of my science project I need to separate water into its main elements, which everyone of you should know are Hydrogen and Oxygen.
That part I know how to do. The part I do not know how to do is getting oxygen on one side and hydrogen on the other. So here's my theory. I believe Oxygen weighs less than Hydrogen. So if we apply enough pressure to just keep the oxygen on the bottom then the hydrogen will flow up. Could this work, and if so, could anyone help me out with it. And if anyone has a better idea on doing this feel free to tell me. Thanks

AfterShave
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
look at your periodic table and check again to see if Hydrogen weighs more or less than Oxygen.

I believe Oxygen is heavier.

I'm not the best with this sort of stuff, but I believe you'd have to add something to separate the H2O. Since H2O is two hydrogens and an oxygen connected during the solid, liquid, and gas phases - you'd have to add some other chemical into pull the Hydrogens and Oxygens apart from one another and cling onto this 3rd chemical.

Maybe then from there you can do something with it. :confused:
 
Last edited:
  • #3
That's a standard experiment. You separate hydrogen and oxygen by putting electrodes into (salted) water and running a current through the water. Since hydrogen ions are positively charged they will be attracted to the negative electrode while the negatively charged oxygen ions are attracted to the positive electrode. Put a test tube full of water over each electrode and collect the gasses in them.
 

FAQ: How can I separate water into its main elements for a science project?

How do I conduct a scientific experiment?

The first step in conducting a scientific experiment is to identify a question or problem that you want to investigate. Then, you must create a hypothesis, which is an educated guess about the outcome of your experiment. Next, you will design and carry out the experiment, making sure to control all variables and collect accurate data. Finally, you will analyze your results and draw conclusions based on your findings.

How do I write a scientific research paper?

A scientific research paper typically follows a standard format, including an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. The abstract summarizes the main points of your research, while the introduction provides background information and states your research question or hypothesis. The methods section explains how you conducted your experiment, and the results section presents your data in tables, charts, or graphs. The discussion section interprets your results and explains their significance, and the conclusion summarizes your findings and any implications for future research.

How do I choose a scientific topic for a project?

When selecting a scientific topic for a project, it is important to choose something that interests you and relates to your area of expertise. You should also consider the resources and time available to complete the project and make sure it is feasible. It may also be helpful to consult with a mentor or do some preliminary research to ensure that your topic is relevant and has not been extensively studied before.

How do I conduct a literature review?

A literature review is a critical analysis of existing research on a particular topic. To conduct a literature review, you will need to search for relevant articles, books, and other sources using databases and other resources. Once you have gathered your sources, you will need to read and analyze them, noting key findings and identifying any gaps in the research. Finally, you will synthesize your findings and write a summary of the current state of knowledge on your topic.

How do I ensure the validity and reliability of my data?

To ensure the validity and reliability of your data, you should use appropriate research methods and controls to minimize bias and errors. This includes using a large and representative sample size, controlling for variables, and using reliable and standardized measurement tools. It is also important to properly record and analyze your data and to replicate your experiment to confirm your results. Peer review and replication by other researchers can also help to ensure the validity and reliability of your data.

Similar threads

I What Causes Huge Raman Shifts in Water?
Replies
15
Views
4K
Making a synthetic tar/pitch material for a robot
Replies
4
Views
590
I Does pressure affect the thermal breakdown of water?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Propane/Oxygen - from Cylinder to Oxy/Fuel cutting torch
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Changing the focal plane of a video projection?
Replies
10
Views
2K
How is water produced in photosynthesis?
Replies
18
Views
13K
A Pandora's Box: Carbon-14 vicious cycle from transmutation
Replies
1
Views
1K
Chemistry Amount of water electrolyzed during PEM electrolysis
Replies
26
Views
4K
Superconductor science fair project?
Replies
10
Views
5K
Oxygen + Hydrogen from water, it safe?
Replies
6
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top