 |
Keywords
optical aluminum copper sulfate physical science redox dendrites metals |
||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
||||
|
This image shows the growth of a copper metal dendrite. It is the result of redox reaction between metallic aluminum (Al) and an aqueous solution of copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4). Note the structure is similar to that of a tree, fractal-like. Also note the two spherical objects on the right side in this image - they are bubbles of hydrogen gas. The redox reaction of water competes with the reaction between aluminum and copper (II) ions. What mechanism(s) cause the dendrite to have enhanced growth at the tip of its branches? More information will be found in the upcoming "It's an Electrochemical World" module on this site. This image was obtained using an optical microscope. |
|||||