Determination of Avogadro's constant by experiment electrolysis performed with low-cost products

Abstract

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive procedure, based on the electrolysis of copper sulfate, is presented to determine the value of Avogadro’s constant NA. From the weight of the metallic mass deposited in this process (weighted independently of the anode), measured as a function of the duration of the electrolysis, numerical results for NA are obtained in very good agreement with the internationally accepted value. This is a remarkable fact, given the characteristics of the experimental set up employed, which is based in the use of household and low cost materials. Given the quality of the result, as well as the simplicity and economy of devices, this activity represents an excellent complement to the discussion of the concept of mole and the associated numerical quantity.