Electrochemical Research, Inc.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Dear Chemist,

You are being considered for a $ 40 per hour position at our plush Electrochemical Research Facility at New Smyrna Beach, Florida {great surf!}. A test of your laboratory, scientific, and creative skills will involve the construction of a battery using some of the materials listed below:

a U-tube
glass wool
two beakers
distilled water
pure copper sulfate
pure magnesium sulfate
pure aluminum sulfate
pure sodium sulfate
pure magnesium
pure aluminum
pure copper
pure lead


You should sketch your design on paper first. Label these: a} electron flow, b} ion flow, c} anode & cathode, d} oxidation & reduction reactions, e} chemicals used, including the location of each.

Show your plan to the boss. After gaining approval of your plan, actually construct your battery. When it is ready to work, bring it to the front counter and connect it to the voltmeter as the boss watches. You will receive a bonus if your team gets the highest voltage of al those competing for this prestigious position. You will also receive a bonus if your team is the first to make a battery that works. You may "go back to the drawing board" for second and 3rd tries.

Sincerely,

Raymond E. Suzor
{the Boss}

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Focus for Viewing Notes

You need not write complete sentences.


1. What is meant by oxidation?

2. What is meant by reduction?

3. What does oxidation have to do with how a battery works?

4. How is current produced?

5. Where do the electrons go?

6. How do the ions move?

7. Why do electrons go from zinc to copper?

8. Why do ions move?

9. What is the function of lithium in the lithium battery and why is it so desirable?

10. What is the function of the electrolyte?