How long for a potassium atom to become an ion again

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the electrolysis of potassium or sodium in water, specifically focusing on the time it takes for sodium atoms to react with water and become sodium ions again. The conversation includes various mechanisms and theoretical considerations related to electrolysis and the behavior of ions and atoms in solution.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the average time for sodium atoms produced during electrolysis to react with water and form sodium ions again.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on whether the discussion pertains to potassium or sodium and questions the type of electrolyte required for metal deposition at the cathode.
  • A different participant challenges the proposed mechanism, stating that metallic sodium is not produced in the presence of water, as water reacts at the electrode to produce hydrogen instead.
  • One participant expresses a need for bosons to be created and then transformed into fermions, suggesting that sodium atoms might be produced as intermediates during electrolysis of sodium bicarbonate before reacting with water.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the direction of the discussion, indicating that the approach may be incorrect.
  • A participant mentions a different experimental setup involving copper ions and aluminum foil, speculating on the effectiveness of this method without clear justification.
  • One participant references lithium-6 ions in the context of a lithium battery, noting their classification as bosons.
  • A seemingly unrelated comment about the weather is made, indicating a shift in focus.
  • A quote from Miguel de Cervantes is shared, which does not directly relate to the technical discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanisms of electrolysis and the behavior of sodium and potassium in water. There is no consensus on the correct approach or understanding of the processes involved.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the electrolysis process and the nature of the reactions involved remain unaddressed. The discussion includes various hypotheses that may depend on specific conditions or definitions that are not fully explored.

goran d
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If we do electrolysis, using a potassium electrolyte in water, the Na+ ions turn into Na atoms at the cathode. The question is, how long, on average, will it take for the Na atom to react with water and form a Na+ ion again?
 
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I think your question needs clarifying. Is it potassium or sodium you're referring to? And please check the type electrolyte needed in order to deposit the metal at the cathode.
 
Are you sure about that mechanism? Metallic Na is never produced in the presence of water, instead, water directly reacts on the electrode producing hydrogen.
 
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Basically what I need is lots of bosons created for a very short time and then turn into fermions. I presumed, if I do electrolysis of sodium bicarbonate, that sodium atoms would be produced at the cathode as an intermediate product, before reacting with water and producing hydrogen.
 
No idea what you are doing, but you are definitely on the wrong track.
 
I guess I'll have to jiggle Copper ions. Jiggling bosons might be as good as creating/destroying them for my purposes. Maybe if I wrap a roll of Aluminium foil with paper and attach it to mobile phone antenna it'll be good enough. Don't know whether to also include "ground" foil roll. All in copper sulphate solution.
 
Last edited:
Uh i got it. Lithium-6 ions are created and destroyed in a lithium battery, and they are bosons.
 
Yes, it is definitely to hot outside!
 
"Over conceits of this sort the poor gentleman lost his wits, and used to lie awake striving to understand them and worm the meaning out of them;"
MIguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote de la Mancha
 

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