Items related to Records of general science Volume 1
Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1835 Excerpt: ...it. Some bodies there are which are capable of exerting chemical action upon the metals which are not electrolytic; but these must be chosen from among the metals; charcoal also answers. No electric current is however induced by these means. An electrolyte is always a compound body, and can act as an electric conductor only when decomposing. Water is the most familiar electrolyte. The attraction of the zinc for the oxygen is greater in the case of water than that of the oxygen for the hydrogen, but in combining with it, it tends to throw into circulation a current of electricity in a certain direction. The sulphuric acid used in the voltaic circuit is not capable of producing any sensible portion of the electricity of the current, by its combination with the oxide formed, because it forms no part of an electrolite, nor is it in relation with any other body present in the solution which will permit of the mutual transfer of the particles, and the consequent conduction of the electricity. Now, an electrolyte conducts in consequence of the mutual action of its particles, but the elements of the water and sulphuric are destitute of this relation. This corroborates the statement of Sir H. Davy, that no electric current is induced by the combination of acids and alkalies. If the acid and base be dissolved in water, it is possible that a small portion of electricity, proceeding from chemical action, may be conducted by the water without decomposition, but the quantity will bear no proportion to the equivalents of chemical force. If a hydrogen acid be used, then a current may be induced by the chemical action of the acid on the base, for both bodies now act as electrolytes. This view of the oxidation of the metal being the cause of the electric current, is proved b...
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About the Author
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