What is the source of the Kelvin Water Dropper effect?

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SUMMARY

The Kelvin Water Dropper effect is driven by gravitational potential energy, leading to charge separation in water due to autoionization and the presence of dissolved ions. The phenomenon involves the formation of H(+) and OH(-) ions, which contribute to the positive and negative charges in the water stream. Unlike static electricity generated by friction, the continuous flow of water prevents charge buildup, allowing the Kelvin Water Dropper to amplify these effects effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy
  • Knowledge of water's autoionization process
  • Familiarity with ionization and charge separation
  • Basic principles of classical mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the autoionization of water and its implications in chemistry
  • Explore the concept of solvated electrons and their role in charge dynamics
  • Study the principles of charge separation in conductive fluids
  • Investigate the applications of the Kelvin Water Dropper in educational demonstrations
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Students and educators in physics and chemistry, researchers interested in electrochemistry, and anyone exploring the principles of charge dynamics in fluids.

bmarc92
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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?
 
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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.
 

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