Student 1 of 1

Practical 27 Flow of electrical charge

Purpose Safety

The aim of this experiment is to investigate
the velocity of charged ions in an electric
field. This is of the same order as the drift
velocity of electrons in a wire under the
influence of the same field.
The dc voltage must not exceed +40 V.
Use plastic forceps to handle the potassium
manganate(VII) crystals.
Potassium manganate is harmful if swallowed and stains.
Eye protection should be worn.

0V

carbon rod
25 V filter paper

V crystal

carbon rod
microscope slide
mA
+25V

crocodile clip

Figure 1: Circuit diagram for the experiment Figure 2: Deail of the filter paper arrangement

You will need:

• dc power supply (0 – 40 V)
• Two digital meters (for
use as a voltmeter and a
milliammeter)
• Microscope slide
• Retort stand etc.
• Two crocodile clips • Potassium manganate(VII)
• Wooden block crystals
• Leads • Beaker of water
• Filter paper • Stop clock
• Scissors • 30 cm ruler
• Plastic forceps

Experimental instructions
Set up the apparatus as shown – it is helpful to rest the microscope slide on a block of wood
and hold the crocodile clips to the side of it and about 2 cm apart.
Soak the filter paper with water and using the forceps place one crystal of potassium
manganate(VII) on the paper between the crocodile clips.
Switch on the power supply and adjust it to about 25 V.
Measure how long it takes for the ion colour to drift one centimetre. Hence work out the
velocity of the ions.
The milliammeter is used simply to check that the current is not too large.
Repeat this for a series of voltages between 10 V and 40 V.

Analysis and conclusions

Plot a graph of ion velocity against voltage. (A graph of ion velocity against electric field (V–d )
is even better.)

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