The discussion centers on the conduction of electricity through salt water, specifically exploring the movement of ions and the underlying mechanisms that facilitate this process. Participants examine the behavior of sodium and chloride ions in an aqueous solution when subjected to an electric current, addressing both theoretical and conceptual aspects of ion movement and chemical reactions.
Participants express various perspectives on the behavior of ions in salt water under electric current, with no consensus reached on the specifics of ion movement and electron transfer mechanisms. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact conditions that govern these processes.
Limitations include assumptions about the stability of ions in solution, the role of the electric field, and the environmental conditions required for chemical reactions to occur. These factors are not fully explored or agreed upon.
sameeralord said:Ok so when I pass electricty through salt water the negative ions move from highly negative area to positive area causing a current? My question is why do the move? Let's say there was Sodium and Chloride ions in water. Can't the chloride ion give an electron to sodium and make the whole solution deionized, why do they choose to move instead?
Thank you
If that happens, it indicates a chemical reaction. For every chemical reaction to happen, it requires appropriate environment i.e. pressure, temperature and other parameters. Now water being a polar solvent doesn't provide chloride ions appropriate environment to transfer their excess electrons to sodium ions. Instead they remain ionized in a polar solvent like water as the water provides that kind of environment to stay them ionized. After being ionized the anion chloride ions are attracted to the anode connected to the +ve terminal of the battery and cation sodium ions are attracted to the cathode connected to the -ve terminal of the external battery. Then each of them take and leave electrons in the cathode and anode.
I have just one mini question left.The event of losing electrons in anode can be interpreted in terms of the electric field set up by the external battery. As the battery exerts an electric force on the negatively charged chloride ion, its excess electron located loosely in its out most shell is attracted by the electric force . The electric force F= qE accelerates the excess electron of chloride ion to the direction of +ve terminal. Hence, chloride ion leaves electrons in anode.