Problem:

Can water be broken apart, and if so, does it break apart the same way each time?

Procedures:

Pour about 200 mL of the solution provided by your instructor into a 250-mL beaker.  Put the 9 volt battery into the beaker and then immediately cover each terminal of the battery with an inverted test tube filled with water.
 

Let the reaction run for a few minutes while you record your results.  Then remove the battery with your flask tongs, rinse it with distilled water, and blot it dry with a paper towel.  Discard the solution down the sink.  Clean the test tubes.

Data:

Record your observations.  Note the relative amounts of gas produced in each test tube - refer to each tube as being either the “positive tube” or the “negative tube.” (That is, did each tube produce the same amount, or did one tube produce twice as much as the other?)

Analysis: Compare your results with other lab teams.

Conclusions:

Did other teams get the same or different results from you?

Did you notice a sameness about the results?  Why does this happen?

What do you think the gases were in each tube?