Are Ions Involved in Electric Currents?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Electric currents can involve both electrons and ions, with the distinction being that electrons typically flow in conductive materials like wires, while ions are responsible for current in electrolytic solutions and batteries. The discussion clarifies that electric power is defined as the transfer of electrical charge over time, specifically through a voltage difference. Examples include ion movement in batteries, contrasting with electron flow in standard conductors. Understanding these differences is crucial for grasping the fundamentals of electric current.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electric current and voltage
  • Knowledge of ion movement in electrolytic solutions
  • Familiarity with battery operation and function
  • Concept of charge transfer and power calculation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of ions in electrochemistry
  • Study the principles of battery technology and ion movement
  • Learn about the differences between ionic and electronic conduction
  • Explore the concept of superconductivity and its implications for current flow
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of electric currents and their applications in batteries and electrolytic systems.

aloshi
Messages
79
Reaction score
0
If electric current is stated in Wikipedia:

"Electric power occurs when the electrical charge is transferred. Power is defined as charge per unit time. The charged particles are usually electrons, but can also be ions."

Does anyone have an example of such currents, the ions then? Would be grateful for answers!
 
Physics news on Phys.org


aloshi said:
"Electric power occurs when the electrical charge is transferred.
Strictly it's when charge is transferred through a voltage difference so it can do work.
Charge moving in a superconductor isn't doing work. Neither is a cpacitor moving with a machine.

Power is defined as charge per unit time.
CURRENT is charge / time . Power is charge * voltage /time


Does anyone have an example of such currents, the ions then?
The current inside a battery would be due to ions moving, the current in a wire is due to electrons.
 

Similar threads

Mechanisms Involved When Charging a Battery
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Ion moving through electric potential difference and magnetic field
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Conventional current definition and a variation on that definition
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
High School Thought Experiment on Charge Carriers and Electrical Conduction
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Why do electrons collide with ions in a conductor
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Making sense of sequence of ideas in MIT OCW's 8.02 notes on Faraday
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Time dependant Potential Energy in ion trap
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Current produced by photolectrons
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Law of Conservation of Energy Proof
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
How does an eddy current brake work exactly?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K