Electrostatic induction in Solutions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the concept of electrostatic induction in various chemical solutions, specifically focusing on how charged rods might influence the movement of ions in solutions like HCl, NaCl, and NaOH. The scope includes theoretical considerations and implications of electrochemistry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a negatively charged rod would attract H+ ions in HCl and Na+ ions in NaCl, and whether a positively charged rod could attract OH- ions in NaOH.
  • Another participant suggests that while there may be a small increase in ion concentration at the phase boundary closest to the charged rod, this effect would be minimal and difficult to observe with standard methods.
  • A later reply reiterates the initial inquiry and introduces the concept of a double layer forming at the interface, which may screen the electric field and reduce the net force on ions further in the solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the extent and observability of electrostatic induction in solutions, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the measurability of ion movement and the influence of the double layer at the interface, which may affect the interpretation of electrostatic effects in solutions.

Phyzwizz
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I was wondering if induction can apply to different chemical solutions. Take HCl for example. If a negatively charged rod were placed against the beaker in which HCl was held, would the H+ ions be pulled towards the rod. Would the same outcome appear in a neutral solution of NaCl (drawing the Na+ towards the negatively charged rod). Could a positively charged rod induce NaOH, drawing the OH- ions towards it?
 
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In general - no. There will be some very small increase in amount of ions on the phase boundary closest to the rod, measurable with a very precise electrochemistry techniques but nothing easy to observe using different methods..
 
Awesome, thanks.
 
Phyzwizz said:
I was wondering if induction can apply to different chemical solutions. Take HCl for example. If a negatively charged rod were placed against the beaker in which HCl was held, would the H+ ions be pulled towards the rod. Would the same outcome appear in a neutral solution of NaCl (drawing the Na+ towards the negatively charged rod). Could a positively charged rod induce NaOH, drawing the OH- ions towards it?

So called double layer forms at the interface, effectively screening the field of the charged body so ions further in the solution will feel virtually no net force.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_layer_(interfacial )
 
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