Class 8 Science


Electrochemistry

Chemical Effects of Electric Current

In 1800, a British chemist, William Nicholson showed that when electrodes were immersed in water and current was passed through water; bubbles of oxygen and hydrogen were produced. Oxygen bubbles were formed at the electrode connected to the positive terminal. Hydrogen bubbles were formed at the electrode connected to the negative terminal.

When electric current is passed through a conducing solution, some chemical reaction takes place in the solution. This is called chemical effect of electric current. Some of the chemical effects of electric current are as follows:

Good Conductors: Electric current can easily pass through some materials. Such materials are called good conductors of electricity, e.g. iron, copper, silver, aluminium, gold, etc.

Bad Conductors: Electric current cannot pass easily through some materials. Such materials are called bad conductors of electricity, e.g. rubber, wood, asbestos, plastic, etc.

LED: It is the abbreviated form of Light Emitting Diode. An LED is enclosed in a glass housing; with two wires (called lead) coming out). One lead is slightly longer than another. An LED can glow even in the presence of weak current.

Heating Effect of Electric Current: When electric current passes through a conductor, it increases the temperature of the conductor. This is called heating effect of electric current. Many electrical appliances work on heating effect of electric current, e.g. electric bulb, water heater, electric iron, etc.

Magnetic Effect of Electric Current: When electric current passes through a conductor, a magnetic field is created around the conductor. This is called magnetic effect of electric current. This can be demonstrated by keeping a magnetic compass near a current-carrying conductor. A magnetic compass shows deflection when it is placed near a current carrying conductor. The devices which work on magnetic effect of electric current are: electric motor and electromagnet.

Liquids which are good conductors: Some liquids too can conduct electricity, e.g. tap water, lemon juice, vinegar, salt solution, etc. Most of the liquids which conduct electricity are solutions of acid, base or salt.

Liquids which are bad conductors: Some liquids are bad conductors of electricity, e.g. distilled water, honey, milk, vegetable oil, etc.

Tap water conducts electricity because it contains various salts dissolved in it. Hence, it is advised not to touch an electric switch with wet hands.

Electroplating

diagram of electrolysis

The process of depositing a layer of a desired metal on any other material by means of electrochemistry is called electroplating. Following steps are followed in electroplating:

Some Uses of Electroplating:

Harms of Electroplating

Electroplating results in production of many harmful chemicals. Disposal of these chemicals is a big problem.