constructing and measuring the EMF of an electrochemical cell

example: Zn/Cu cell

preparing the solution (do not write about unless asked to)

weigh a precise mass of ZnSO₄ or other ionic salt
dissolve in deionised water (or sulfuric acid if making an acidified solution?)
transfer to volumetric flask and make up to the mark
invert the flask several times and shake to mix thoroughly / completely dissolve the solid

setting up the cell

beaker of 1 mol dm^-3 aqueous ZnSO₄ and clean Zn electrode immersed
beaker of 1 mol dm^-3 aqueous CuSO₄ and clean Cu electrode immersed
solutions at 298 K
sandpaper electrodes to ensure clean metal surfaces and remove outer oxide layer
connect solutions with a salt bridge, KNO₃ or KCl in agar gel
high-resistance voltmeter connected between the two metal electrodes by wires
voltemeter must be high resistance so that current is zero and the maximum EMF can be accurately measured

measurements