Chemical Effects Of Electric Current

Key Notes :

Electric Current and Chemical Reactions:

• When an electric current passes through a conducting solution, it can cause chemical changes. This process is known as the chemical effect of electric current.
• Chemical reactions that occur due to the electric current can result in the formation of new substances.

Electrolytes:

• Substances that allow an electric current to pass through them when dissolved in water or in a molten state are called electrolytes.
• Electrolytes include acids, bases, and salts, which dissociate into ions in solution.

Electrolysis:

• The process by which electric current causes a chemical reaction in a liquid is called electrolysis.
• During electrolysis, positive ions (cations) move toward the negative electrode (cathode), and negative ions (anions) move toward the positive electrode (anode).

Electrodes:

• Electrolysis requires two electrodes: an anode (positive electrode) and a cathode (negative electrode).
• Electrodes are usually made of conducting materials like metals or graphite.

Electroplating:

• Electroplating is a process that uses the chemical effects of electric current to deposit a layer of one metal onto another.
• It is used to coat objects with metals like gold, silver, or chromium to prevent corrosion and enhance appearance.

Applications of Electrolysis:

• Purification of metals: Electrolysis is used in industries to purify metals like copper and aluminum.
• Electroplating: Used to prevent corrosion and improve the appearance of objects.
• Extraction of metals: Electrolysis helps in extracting metals like sodium, potassium, and aluminum from their compounds.

Examples of Chemical Effects:

• Production of gas bubbles at the electrodes (e.g., oxygen and hydrogen from water).
• Deposition of metals like copper or silver at the electrodes.
• Change in color of solutions due to the formation of new substances.

Testing for Conductivity:

• Solutions that conduct electricity are called conductors, while those that do not conduct are non-conductors or insulators.
• A simple way to test for the conductivity of a solution is to use a conductivity tester, such as a circuit with a light bulb that lights up when electricity flows through the solution.

LED and Conductivity Test:

• Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are used in modern conductivity testers. When the LED glows, it indicates the presence of a conducting solution.

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