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Grade 12Physical Chemistry

Calculate the number of electrons associated for deposition icon electro chemical equivalent of substance?

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7 Years agoGrade 12
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ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

To calculate the number of electrons associated with the deposition of a substance in electrochemistry, we need to understand the relationship between the electrochemical equivalent (ECE) of the substance, the current, and the time for which the current flows. The electrochemical equivalent is defined as the mass of a substance deposited or dissolved at an electrode during electrolysis per unit charge passed through the electrolyte. Let's break this down step by step.

Understanding Electrochemical Equivalent

The electrochemical equivalent (E) can be expressed using the formula:

E = (m * 1000) / (I * t)

  • m = mass of the substance deposited (in grams)
  • I = current (in amperes)
  • t = time (in seconds)

Calculating the Number of Electrons

To find the number of electrons (n) involved in the deposition process, we can use Faraday's laws of electrolysis. According to Faraday's first law, the amount of substance deposited is directly proportional to the quantity of electricity passed through the electrolyte:

Q = n * F

  • Q = total charge (in coulombs)
  • n = number of moles of electrons transferred
  • F = Faraday's constant (approximately 96485 C/mol)

From this relationship, we can express the total charge (Q) as:

Q = I * t

Putting It All Together

Now, we can combine these equations to find the number of electrons associated with the deposition:

n = (I * t) / F

To find the total number of electrons (N), we multiply the number of moles of electrons (n) by Avogadro's number (approximately 6.022 x 10²³):

N = n * N_A

Where N_A is Avogadro's number.

Example Calculation

Let’s say we have a current of 2 amperes flowing for 10 seconds, and we want to calculate the number of electrons involved in the deposition:

  • Current (I) = 2 A
  • Time (t) = 10 s

First, calculate the total charge (Q):

Q = I * t = 2 A * 10 s = 20 C

Next, calculate the number of moles of electrons (n):

n = Q / F = 20 C / 96485 C/mol ≈ 0.000207 moles

Now, to find the total number of electrons (N):

N = n * N_A = 0.000207 moles * 6.022 x 10²³ electrons/mol ≈ 1.25 x 10²⁵ electrons

Final Thoughts

This calculation shows how to relate the electrochemical equivalent of a substance to the number of electrons involved in its deposition. By understanding these relationships, you can apply them to various electrochemical processes, whether in a laboratory setting or in industrial applications.