Study Guides/Physics/Chemical Effect of Electric Current
Study Guide · Physics

Chemical Effect of Electric Current

In Class 8 Science, we learn that electric current can cause different effects: heating, magnetic, and chemical. The chemical effect of electric current occurs when electricity passes through a conducting liquid (electrolyte), causing chemical changes.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the chemical effect of electric current?

Answer

When an electric current passes through a conducting liquid, it causes chemical reactions (like gas bubbles or metal deposits). This is called the chemical effect of electric current.

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Key Facts

Chemical Effect: Chemical change caused by electricity passing through a liquid.

Electrolyte: A liquid that conducts electricity (e.g., salt solution, lemon juice).

Electrolysis: Chemical decomposition using electricity.

Electroplating: Coating one metal with another using electric current.

What is the Chemical Effect?

The passage of an electric current through a conducting solution causes chemical reactions. This phenomenon is called the chemical effect of electric current.

Common effects observed:

  1. Bubbles of a gas may be formed on the electrodes (e.g., passing current through water releases Hydrogen and Oxygen).
  2. Deposits of metal may be seen on electrodes.
  3. Changes in the colour of the solution may occur.

Electrolysis

The process of breaking down a chemical compound (in liquid/aqueous state) by passing an electric current through it is called electrolysis.

  • Electrodes: The metal/carbon rods immersed in the liquid (Anode is positive, Cathode is negative).
  • Electrolyte: The conducting liquid (like salt water or copper sulphate solution).

Practical Application: Electroplating

The most common application of this effect is Electroplating. It is the process of depositing a layer of any desired metal on another material by means of electricity.

  • Example: Iron car parts are electroplated with Chromium to prevent rust and give a shiny appearance. Artificial jewelry is electroplated with gold or silver.

Questions and Answers

What is the chemical effect of electric current?+

When an electric current passes through a conducting liquid, it causes chemical reactions (like gas bubbles or metal deposits). This is called the chemical effect of electric current.

What is electroplating?+

Electroplating is the process of depositing a thin layer of a desired metal over another material using the chemical effect of electric current.

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