Does metal spontaneously smoulder at ambient temperature with some invisible fire?
Hydrogen – “Water generator”
RE “hyper-rusting” seen after steel has been microwaved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0wJ4JfR5wI
Faraday’s Electrochemistry is a fundamental concept in chemistry that elucidates the mysterious nature of oxidation, particularly in the context of electrochemical reactions. Michael Faraday, a renowned scientist from the 19th century, made significant contributions to the understanding of electricity and electrochemistry, laying the groundwork for modern theories and applications.
1. **Background on Electrochemistry**:
Electrochemistry deals with the interconversion of electrical energy and chemical energy through redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions. These reactions involve the transfer of electrons between chemical species, resulting in the generation of electric current or the production of chemical compounds.
2. **Faraday’s Laws of Electrolysis**:
Faraday formulated two laws of electrolysis that describe the quantitative relationships between the amount of substance undergoing electrolysis and the electric current passing through the electrolyte. These laws are fundamental to understanding the role of oxidation in electrochemical processes.
– **First Law**: The amount of a substance deposited or liberated at an electrode during electrolysis is directly proportional to the quantity of electricity (measured in coulombs or ampere-seconds) passed through the electrolyte.
– **Second Law**: The masses of different substances deposited or liberated by the same quantity of electricity are in ratios of their equivalent weights (which are related to their chemical valencies).
3. **Oxidation in Electrochemistry**:
Oxidation is a key aspect of electrochemical reactions, particularly in electrolysis and galvanic cells. It involves the loss of electrons by a substance, leading to an increase in its oxidation state or a decrease in its electron density.
4. **Mysterious Nature of Oxidation**:
The term “mysterious” in the context of Faraday’s Electrochemistry refers to the complexity and subtlety of oxidation processes that were not fully understood before Faraday’s investigations. Some aspects that were mysterious and later clarified include:
– **Relationship to Electricity**: Faraday’s work showed the intimate connection between electricity and chemical reactions, highlighting how electrical energy can drive chemical transformations.
– **Quantitative Understanding**: Faraday’s laws provided a quantitative framework for measuring and predicting the outcomes of electrolysis, demystifying the seemingly random nature of electrochemical processes.
– **Redox Reactions**: Faraday’s insights into redox reactions, where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously, helped unravel the mechanisms behind many chemical reactions and paved the way for electrochemical technologies.
5. **Applications and Impact**:
Faraday’s contributions to electrochemistry laid the foundation for numerous practical applications, including electroplating, electrolytic refining of metals, electrochemical cells (like batteries and fuel cells), and various analytical techniques (such as voltammetry and coulometry).
In summary, Faraday’s Electrochemistry demystifies oxidation by providing quantitative laws and a deeper understanding of the interplay between electricity and chemical reactions, leading to groundbreaking applications in various fields of science and technology.