What substance cools when electricity is applied?

  • Context: Chemical/Paint 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Smoothmusicman
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Chemical
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying substances that cool when an electric current is applied, with a focus on potential applications for a project involving an enclosed tube filled with a substance and an electric wire. Participants explore theoretical and practical aspects of cooling mechanisms in response to electric current.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about substances that cool when electricity is applied, seeking suggestions for a project.
  • Another participant mentions the thermoelectric effect but questions if it aligns with the original inquiry about self-cooling substances.
  • A participant describes their project requirements, emphasizing the need for a substance that cools the tube when current flows through the wire.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of cooling with electric current, suggesting that current typically generates heat and proposing that only highly endothermic reactions might achieve cooling, albeit likely in an irreversible manner.
  • Another participant suggests considering a Peltier element as a potential solution for cooling.
  • A participant acknowledges their unfamiliarity with Peltier elements and expresses interest in exploring this option further.
  • Participants note that Peltier elements cool on one side while heating the other, which may not align with the initial project description of a uniformly cooling substance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of finding a substance that cools with electric current. There are competing views regarding the effectiveness of Peltier elements and the nature of cooling reactions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of substances in response to electric current and the potential for irreversible reactions, which remain unresolved. The specific requirements of the project may limit the applicability of suggested solutions.

Smoothmusicman
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
What is a liquid, gas, gel, (substance) etc. that cools when it meets electric current? Thank you all for the help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, there's the thermoelectric effect, but I'm not sure that's what you're wanting. Are you asking if there's a substance that just cools itself off when an electric current flows through it? Are you wanting this for some kind of project?
 
Thanks for the reply Drakkith... Yes, I'm working on a project where I need an enclosed tube, that will be inaccessible after the project is completed, that will have an electric wire inside, and I need to fill the tube with a substance (solid, liquid or gas) so that when current is pushed through the wire the reaction with the substance cools the tube.
 
I don't think it is possible. At least not the way you describe it. Passing current in general heats things up, not cools them down. Theoretically speaking passing current could trigger some highly endothermic reaction, but the effect will be most likely irreversible - that is, you will be able to do it just once. It could be possible to "recharge" the system (something similar in principle to thiosulfate hand warmers), but I can't think of any substance that will behave the way you need even irreversibly, not to mention the latter case..
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Smoothmusicman
Did you consider to use a Peltier element?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Smoothmusicman
Borek said:
I don't think it is possible. At least not the way you describe it. Passing current in general heats things up, not cools them down. Theoretically speaking passing current could trigger some highly endothermic reaction, but the effect will be most likely irreversible - that is, you will be able to do it just once. It could be possible to "recharge" the system (something similar in principle to thiosulfate hand warmers), but I can't think of any substance that will behave the way you need even irreversibly, not to mention the latter case..
Thank you very much for your reply...
 
DrDu said:
Did you consider to use a Peltier element?
I had never ever hear of a Peltier element... I'm reading up on it right now and this might be what I'm looking for! Thank you and I'll keep you posted.
 
Just remember Peltier element is cold on one side, but hot on the other. Your initial description suggested you want something that gets cold as a whole.
 
Borek said:
Just remember Peltier element is cold on one side, but hot on the other. Your initial description suggested you want something that gets cold as a whole.
Thanks Borek... Reading up on Peltier element is making me re-envision what I'm trying to accomplish and gave me an idea of how to implement it... Thank you all!
 

Similar threads

High School Two/three photon absorption chemical substance producing photons for electricity generation
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
926
Help with chemical potential formula in a mixture
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Chemical/Paint Best transparent material that allows infrared to pass through?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K
Chemical/Paint Possibility of Electrically Charging Pigments DIY?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Thermodynamics problem relating to Chemical Potentials
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
What to fill a glass bottle with (a liquid that hardens) to lower its volume?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
How Can Eddy Current Drag Be Minimized in AC Generators?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Mixing Substances: Engineering Solutions for Dilution Challenges by Lee
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Surface tension in terms of temperature and concentration of an added substance
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Controlled chemical pressurization formula
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K