Model for Teaching about Electrical Neutrality in Electrolyte Solutions

• Tetsuo Morikawa ^[1] ; Bryce E. Williamson ^[2]
  1. [1] Joetsu University of Education

     Joetsu University of Education

     Japón

     
  2. [2] University of Canterbury

     University of Canterbury

     Nueva Zelanda

     
• Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 78, Nº 7, 2001, pág. 934
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • A simple model, based on an 1853 experiment by J. W. Hittorf, is suggested as a tool for demonstrating the electrical neutrality condition in electrolyte solutions. An electrochemical cell is conceptually divided into compartments, between which ions migrate in accordance with their transport numbers. It is demonstrated that these changes occur with overall retention of macroscopic neutrality throughout the electrolyte solutions. The model should also help students to avoid misconceptions relating to other aspects of electrochemical cells, such as ionic conductance and reversibility.