Abstract
In the present study, we developed a micro-scale chemical reactor for the purpose of observing the movement of copper (II) ions in junior high science classes and high school chemistry classes. A micro-scale electrophoresis device with a three-phase structure was prepared using carbon rods as electrodes, a 1.0 mol/L sulfuric acid aqueous solution as an anode phase, and a 1.0 mol/L sodium carbonate aqueous solution as a cathode phase across an agar phase from the anode phase. In performing an electrophoresis experiment of a 1.0 mol/L copper (II) sulfate aqueous solution at a voltage of 9 V, the movement of the copper (II) ions could be observed without any discontinuities up to the vicinity of the electrode. Results of a questionnaire survey showed that this experimental device facilitates students’ observations of ion movements and helps them understand ions, including the concept of particle.
