What is the source of the Kelvin Water Dropper effect?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the nature of charged water streams from a classical mechanics and matter perspective. It highlights that "positive" and "negative" charges in water relate to the autoionization of water, where H(+) and OH(-) ions form. The charge separation is driven by gravitational potential energy and is influenced by dissolved ions. Additionally, it notes that flowing water contains separated charges, similar to the charge separation observed in static electricity, such as when combing hair. However, due to water's conductivity, there is no significant charge buildup, with devices like the Kelvin dropper serving to amplify these effects.
bmarc92
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
From a classical mechanics perspective I understand the force interactions leading to the phenomenon, but from a matter perspective, what is a "positive" or "negative ly" charged water stream?

Is this referring to the spontaneousH(+) + OH(- )formations?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
The charges come from autoionization of water, yes, as well as any dissolved ions that happen to be in the water. Ultimately, the energy source that drives the charge separation is gravitational potential energy.
 
Also google solvated electron.

Apart from ions flowing water is full of separated charges, this is in principle not much different from the separation of charges that occur when combing hair (or any place where there is some friction). The difference is water is a reasonably good conductor (unless ultra pure), so there is no charge build up. Kelvin dropper just amplifies these effects.
 
Thread 'How to make Sodium Chlorate by Electrolysis of salt water?'
I have a power supply for electrolysis of salt water brine, variable 3v to 6v up to 30 amps. Cathode is stainless steel, anode is carbon rods. Carbon rod surface area 42" sq. the Stainless steel cathode should be 21" sq. Salt is pure 100% salt dissolved into distilled water. I have been making saturated salt wrong. Today I learn saturated salt is, dissolve pure salt into 150°f water cool to 100°f pour into the 2 gallon brine tank. I find conflicting information about brine tank...
Engineers slash iridium use in electrolyzer catalyst by 80%, boosting path to affordable green hydrogen https://news.rice.edu/news/2025/engineers-slash-iridium-use-electrolyzer-catalyst-80-boosting-path-affordable-green Ruthenium is also fairly expensive (a year ago it was about $490/ troy oz, but has nearly doubled in price over the past year, now about $910/ troy oz). I tracks prices of Pt, Pd, Ru, Ir and Ru. Of the 5 metals, rhodium (Rh) is the most expensive. A year ago, Rh and Ir...
Back
Top