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Chemical Effect of Electric Formula, Different Materials

The chemical effect of electric refers to the phenomenon where an electric current passing through an electrolyte causes a chemical reaction to occur, resulting in ...
authorImageGirijesh Singh26 Sept, 2023
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Chemical Effect of Electric Formula

The chemical effect of electric refers to the phenomenon where an electric current passing through a conducting medium causes chemical reactions to occur. This effect is used in various applications and technologies, including electroplating, electrolysis, and the operation of batteries.

What are the Chemical Effects of Electric?

When an electric current travels through a substance, changes in the chemical makeup or characteristics of that substance take place. Electric charges and the atoms or molecules of a substance interact to produce these effects.

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Important Formulas of Chemical Effects of Electric

The chemical effect of electric refers to the phenomenon where an electric current passing through an electrolyte causes a chemical reaction to occur, resulting in the deposition of substances on electrodes or the dissolution of electrodes. This is the basis of processes like electroplating and electrolysis. The key formula related to the chemical effect of electricity is Faraday's Laws of Electrolysis.
  • Faraday's First Law of Electrolysis
This law states that the amount of substance deposited or liberated at an electrode during electrolysis is directly proportional to the quantity of electricity (electric charge) passed through the electrolyte. Formula - m=z⋅F⋅Q Where
  1. m is the mass of the substance deposited or liberated.
  2. z is the electrochemical equivalent of the substance (grams per coulomb).
  3. F is Faraday's constant, which is the charge of one mole of electrons (approximately 96,485 C/mol).
  4. Q is the electric charge passed through the electrolyte in coulombs.
  • Faraday's Second Law of Electrolysis
This law states that when the same quantity of electricity is passed through different electrolytes, the masses of substances deposited or liberated are directly proportional to their equivalent weights. Formula - m 1 / z 1 = m 2 / z 2 = m 3 / z 3 =...... Where
  1. m 1 , m 2 , m 3 are the masses of substances deposited or liberated.
  2. z 1 , z 2 , z 3 … are the electrochemical equivalents of the substances.
These laws are essential in understanding and quantifying the chemical changes that occur during electrolysis or other electrochemical processes. Interactions with Electric Interactions with electricity refer to the various ways in which electric charges and currents affect different materials and systems. These interactions play a crucial role in shaping our technological world and understanding the behaviour of matter. Here are some key interactions with electricity:
  • Conduction
Conduction is the process by which electric charges (usually electrons) flow through a conductor, such as metals, when a voltage difference (electric potential) is applied across it. The movement of charges constitutes an electric current.
  • Insulation
Insulators are materials that resist the flow of electric charges. They do not allow easy passage of electrons and are used to prevent unwanted electric currents and ensure safety in electrical systems.
  • Semiconductors
Semiconductors are materials with intermediate conductivity between conductors and insulators. They can be manipulated to conduct or insulate electricity by controlling factors such as temperature or impurities. Semiconductors are essential for electronic devices like transistors and integrated circuits.
  • Resistance
Resistance is the property of a material that opposes the flow of electric current. It is quantified by Ohm's law ( V = I  R ), where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance.

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Applications of Chemical Effects of Electric

The chemical effects of electric have a wide range of practical applications in various fields. Here are some notable applications:
  • Electroplating
Electroplating is the process of depositing a thin layer of metal onto the surface of an object using the chemical effects of electricity. This technique is used to improve the appearance, corrosion resistance, and durability of objects. Common examples include gold and silver plating of jewellery, chrome plating of automotive parts, and copper plating of electrical connectors.
  • Electrorefining
Electrorefining is the process of purifying metals through electrolysis. It is used to obtain high-purity metals from impure raw materials. For example, electrolytic refining of copper involves using an impure copper anode and a pure copper cathode to produce high-purity copper.
  • Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the process of using electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. It has applications in various industries, such as the production of chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide through the electrolysis of brine (chlor-alkali process), and the extraction of aluminium from bauxite ore.
  • Battery Charging and Discharging
Rechargeable batteries rely on chemical reactions to store and release electrical energy. The charging and discharging processes involve chemical changes that occur at the electrodes of the battery.
  • Electrochemical Sensors
Chemical sensors, such as pH meters and gas sensors, utilise the chemical effects of electricity to measure the concentration of specific ions or gases in a solution. Changes in electrical properties are used to detect and quantify the target analyte.
  • Electrochemical Machining
Electrochemical machining (ECM) is a process used to shape and machine metal components through controlled dissolution. It is commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries to produce complex and intricate parts.
  • Electrolytic Cells in Industry
Various industries use electrolytic cells for processes such as electroplating, electrowinning (extraction of metals from ores), and electrochemical synthesis of chemicals.
  • Electrochemical Analysis
Techniques like cyclic voltammetry and potentiostatic/galvanostatic measurements are used for electrochemical analysis of compounds, including determining the concentration of certain substances in solution.
  • Water Treatment
Electrocoagulation is an electrochemical water treatment process that uses electricity to remove contaminants from water by promoting the formation of coagulants.
  • Electrochemical Etching
This method is used for marking or engraving metal surfaces by selectively dissolving material from the surface using controlled electrical current. These applications demonstrate the practical significance of the chemical effects of electricity, ranging from surface finishing to industrial processes and environmental technologies. The ability to control and harness these chemical reactions through electricity has revolutionised various industries and continues to drive technological advancements.

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Electric Current in a Conductor

Electric current in a conductor refers to the flow of electric charge through the conductor. It is the movement of electrons or other charge carriers in response to an applied electric field. Formula I=nAeV. v d =λ/τ, v d =1/2(eE/m)τ 2 =1/2 eE/m τ, I=neAV d

Electrical Resistance

Electrical resistance is a fundamental property of materials that quantifies how strongly they oppose the flow of electric current. It is a crucial concept in understanding and analysing electrical circuits and the behaviour of materials in response to applied electric fields. I=neA V d =neA( eE/ 2m) τ =( n e 2 τ/ 2m) AE E= V/ l so I=( n e 2 τ/ 2m)( A/ l) V=( A/ρ l) V=V/R ⇒ V=IR
  • ρ is called the resistivity
  • ρ= 2m/ n e 2 τ = 1/σ
  • ρ is called conductivity
Therefore, current in conductors is proportional to potential difference applied across its ends.

Current Density

Current density ( J ) is a fundamental concept in electromagnetism that quantifies the amount of electric current flowing through a unit cross-sectional area of a conductor. It provides valuable information about the distribution of current within a conductor and is often used in the analysis and design of electrical systems. 4electrical Here are the key points to understand about current density:
  • Direction of Current Density
Current density has both magnitude and direction. It points in the direction of the flow of positive charges, which is opposite to the direction of electron flow (since electrons are negatively charged).
  • Relation to Current
The total current ( I ) passing through a conductor can be calculated by integrating the current density ( J ) over the entire cross-sectional area ( A ). Formula: I=∫JdA
  • Heterogeneous Materials
In materials with non-uniform conductivity, the current density may vary across the cross-sectional area. In such cases, current density provides insights into how current flows through different regions of the conductor.
  • Relation to Ohm's Law
Current density can be related to the electric field ( E ) and the electrical conductivity ( σ ) of the material through a modified form of Ohm's Law for current density. Formula J=σ⋅E Where: E is the electric field strength (measured in volts per meter, V/m). σ is the electrical conductivity of the material (measured in siemens per meter, S/m).
  • Applications
Current density is a crucial parameter in the design and analysis of electrical components, such as conductors, resistors, and semiconductors. It helps engineers and researchers understand how materials behave under different conditions and aids in optimising the performance and efficiency of devices.
  • Temperature Effects
In materials with temperature-dependent conductivity, the current density may change with temperature, impacting the overall behaviour of the conductor. Current density is a powerful tool for characterising and modelling the behaviour of electric currents within materials. It allows for a more detailed understanding of how current flows through different types of conductors and is a key concept in the study of electromagnetism and electrical engineering.

Electrical Power

Electrical power refers to the rate at which electrical energy is consumed, produced, or transferred in an electrical circuit or device. It is a fundamental concept in understanding the performance, efficiency, and operation of various electrical systems. P=VI Energy =∫ pdt P= I 2 R=VI= V 2 / R H=VIt= I 2 Rt= V 2 / R t H= I 2 RT  Joule= I 2 RT/ 4.2 Calorie Understanding electrical power is essential for evaluating the performance, efficiency, and safety of electrical systems, as well as for designing and optimising various electrical devices and applications.

Chemical Effect of Electric Formula FAQs

What are the chemical effects of electric?

The chemical effects of electric refer to the phenomenon where an electric current passing through an electrolyte (a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water or melted) causes chemical reactions to occur, leading to the deposition of substances on electrodes or the dissolution of electrodes.

What are some examples of chemical effects of electricity?

Examples of chemical effects of electricity include electroplating (depositing a metal layer on an object), electrolysis (using electric current to induce chemical reactions), and electrochemical reactions in batteries and fuel cells.

How does electroplating work?

Electroplating involves passing an electric current through an electrolyte containing metal ions. The metal ions are reduced at the cathode (the object to be plated), forming a metal layer on its surface. For example, in copper electroplating, a copper object is made the cathode, and a copper sulphate electrolyte is used.

What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a process where an electric current is used to drive a nonspontaneous chemical reaction. It involves the decomposition of compounds into their constituent elements or ions. For instance, electrolysis of water breaks down water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gases.

How is electrolysis used in industry?

Electrolysis has various industrial applications, including the production of chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide through the chlor-alkali process, extraction of metals from their ores, and electroplating for surface finishing and corrosion protection.

What is Faraday's law of electrolysis?

Faraday's laws of electrolysis describe the quantitative relationships between the amount of substance deposited or liberated during electrolysis and the amount of electric charge passed through the electrolyte. The laws provide a foundation for understanding the chemical effects of electric.
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