Can Ions Pass Through a Wire Like Electrons?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around whether ions can pass through a conductive wire in a manner similar to electrons. It explores the nature of electrical conduction in conventional wires versus other mediums, such as electrolytes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that ions cannot pass through conventional wires significantly because they are bound in specific locations within the solid structure.
  • Others mention that if the wire is melted, ions can move, suggesting a change in state allows for ionic movement.
  • One participant introduces the concept of unconventional "wires," such as salt bridges, which can conduct ions.
  • Another participant clarifies that ions are the charge carriers in electrolytes, like batteries and seawater, distinguishing them from electrons in conductors and semiconductors.
  • There is a discussion about ionic bonding, noting that ions typically do not exist independently but form crystal lattices due to their mutual attraction and repulsion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the ability of ions to move through conventional wires, with some agreeing on the limitations of solid conductors while others introduce alternative scenarios and mediums for ionic conduction.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations regarding the definitions of conductors and the conditions under which ions can move, as well as the dependence on the state of the material (solid vs. melted).

scientifico
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Can ions pass tought a conductive wire like electrons do ?
 
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Not in conventional wires, at least not in a significant amount. Wires are solid, therefore the ions are bound in specific locations. If you melt the wire, ions can move.
 
mfb said:
Not in conventional wires, at least not in a significant amount. Wires are solid, therefore the ions are bound in specific locations. If you melt the wire, ions can move.

There are unconventional "wires" that do conduct ions, however: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_bridge
 
Ions ARE the [charged] current carrying particles in electrolytes, like batteries and seawater. Neither electrons in conductors nor electrons nor holes in semiconductors are considered ions.


lots more here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ions

Ionic bonding is a kind of chemical bonding that arises from the mutual attraction of oppositely charged ions. Ions of like charge repel each other, and ions of opposite charge attract each other. Therefore ions do not usually exist on their own, but will bind with ions of opposite charge to form a crystal lattice.

[no free charge carriers]
 

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