[wicked1977]

Hello,

I need help figuring out how to explain how an ionic bath functions. Of course, they do not work as they are intended (detoxing and stuff), but the point of the problem was to explain why with chemistry on why an ionic bath works the way it does.  This involves using electrochemistry to explain and stuff.

Problem:

Detoxifying Ionic Bath

How does the Ionic Bath work? Explain:
-The chemistry
-The physical (visual) results observed

Support your explanation with calculations, experimental observations, chemistry, etc.

What I have so far:

Pictures are shown below in the link on experiments we did on some household salts.
http://imgur.com/a/dEw9U

The setup consists of using a barbie doll (completely pointless, just to show that ionic baths do not work as they tend to), water with the unknown household salt, a 9V battery and some electrodes.

The set up for the image with the black solution had electrodes with nails onto them.

Searching the internet, I found a possible household salt that has the same properties as the ones shown in the experiment, NaCl. A similar experiment was also done that had similar results was found here: http://integratedscienceathome.blogspot.com/2011/04/splitting-saltwater.html

The chemical reaction based on the blog was: 2 NaCl + 2 H2O → Cl2 + H2 + 2 NaOH

My approach to the problem was to explain what happens at the change of color in the problem, which was, as explained in the blog, NaOH is being produced, which creates the green color in the image with the barbie. And, as the process continues, the green color turns from being the light into being dark. Relating to how the ionic bath works, colors reflect on what the ionic bath is "detoxifying."

As for the experiment with electrodes with nails, the really black coloring is the rusting of the metal electrode (the nails), which creates this effect. Again, relating to how the ionic bath works, colors reflect on what the ionic bath is "detoxifying."

I think I am missing some chemistry or calculations, in which I do not know how to explain or do. This is where I need help on and any help is appreciated!

[Arkcon]

This is a long post of yours, with lots of information, but not all of it is clear and pertinent.  We have lots of work to do, just to get to a question, that we can answer.  So be prepared for that.  Now, point by point:

Hello,

I need help figuring out how to explain how an ionic bath functions.

I have no idea what you mean by this term.  Of course, I can Google, I often ask a poster here to do just that.  Thing is sometimes, 3 posts later, a poster will throw in a fact they've left off, because they didn't think it was important.  Its just better for threads, when they have the info we need right up front.

Of course, they do not work as they are intended (detoxing and stuff),

Ah.  So its some sort of New Age pseudoscience.  OK.  Now we have another problem.  We don't allow testifying to crack pottery on this site.  Maybe that's why you left it off.  But maybe you're going to spring it on us later.  Just a warning, we can move this whole thread to the garbage when that happens.

but the point of the problem was to explain why with chemistry on why an ionic bath works the way it does.

We're going to have to know what that is.  Maybe what you want to say is, why the observations occur, and how to explain them chemically, contrary to the pseudoscience explanation?  So we'll need the observations claimed and observed.

This involves using electrochemistry

Good understanding of the problem.

to explain

That's what science does.

and stuff.

Sure.  Like.  Ya know.  Whatever.  And junk.  Or for the French speakers -- donc.  All copacetic, as we say in the US.

Problem:

Detoxifying Ionic Bath

How does the Ionic Bath work? Explain:
-The chemistry
-The physical (visual) results observed

Support your explanation with calculations, experimental observations, chemistry, etc.

OK.  The actual question, assigned by a class.

What I have so far:

Pictures are shown below in the link on experiments we did on some household salts.
http://imgur.com/a/dEw9U

I'll attach so everyone can see right away.

The setup consists of using a barbie doll (completely pointless, just to show that ionic baths do not work as they tend to),

Are you sure that experimental setup shows that?

water with the unknown household salt,

Unknown?  Why?

a 9V battery and some electrodes.

Clear and easy to understand.  But is something still missing?

The set up for the image with the black solution had electrodes with nails onto them.

I don't see the pertinence.  Do you?  Can you tell us why?

Searching the internet, I found a possible household salt that has the same properties as the ones shown in the experiment, NaCl. A similar experiment was also done that had similar results was found here: http://integratedscienceathome.blogspot.com/2011/04/splitting-saltwater.html

OK, we have a complete experiment.  That's good, you can use the info there, and compare it, in words (with pictures along side) in the report you write.

The chemical reaction based on the blog was: 2 NaCl + 2 H2O → Cl2 + H2 + 2 NaOH

Can you find that reaction in a textbook?  This is important, just because there's a blog with a picture, doesn't meant the reaction is correct.  This one, in particular, is a typically quoted one, particularly on this board (you can search) and its not absolutely correct.

My approach to the problem was to explain what happens at the change of color in the problem, which was, as explained in the blog, NaOH is being produced, which creates the green color in the image with the barbie. And, as the process continues, the green color turns from being the light into being dark. Relating to how the ionic bath works, colors reflect on what the ionic bath is "detoxifying."

You're doing good, right here.  You should organize your text better, we needed this at the top of the post, and you may need it at the top of your report.

As for the experiment with electrodes with nails, the really black coloring is the rusting of the metal electrode (the nails), which creates this effect. Again, relating to how the ionic bath works, colors reflect on what the ionic bath is "detoxifying."

Good.  Pull all this together in the correct order.

I think I am missing some chemistry

Very possibly.  But then, no one knows everything.  Not even me.  I know, its a shock to everyone.

or calculations,

What, in this missive of yours, looks like it needs calculations?  Why do you mention them?  What needs calculating, and what do you ask for them?  On this board, you have to do your calculations, and we help you with what's missing, or what you get wrong. 

in which I do not know how to explain or do.

Again, this is not what we do.  "Explain or do my calculations" isn't even a topic people can help with.  Or even understand.  Do you see why?

This is where I need help on and any help is appreciated!

I think you'll get closer to what you need to do when you organize better what you need to do, what you need to know, and how you'll go about it.

[Burner]

1. As far as I know, 'Detox' ionic bath is definitely pesudoscience.

2. As you have mentioned, metal electrodes and electrolytes(tap water) are involved, so the reaction is basically electrolysis(or at least redox reactions). Check out the metal(s) that make up the electrodes and look up on the colour of the metal ions will significantly help you to explain the chemistry behind these experiments/phenomenons.

[orthoformate]

Have you tried making this circuit without the barbie doll?

Maybe running electricity through tap water produces a yellow color after a certain amount of time.

If you run without the barbie, and get no color, then you can ask the question: Is there chemistry occurring on the barbie doll?