Electric Field in an Electrolyte

In summary, when a positively charged insulated conductor is submerged in an ionic solution, there is equal repulsion and attraction of ions. However, due to the strong electrostatic forces between the ions, the charged object is only able to push away the cations and anions by a few molecules, resulting in a mostly attractive electric field.
  • #1
Samson4
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When an insulated conductor; submerged in an ionic solution, is charged positively. Is there equal repulsion and attraction of ions? Or does the electric field mostly attract negative ions while only repelling positive ions in contact with it's surface?
 
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  • #2
Samson4 said:
When an insulated conductor; submerged in an ionic solution, is charged positively. Is there equal repulsion and attraction of ions? Or does the electric field mostly attract negative ions while only repelling positive ions in contact with it's surface?
The electrostatic forces between the ions themselves are incredibly strong, the charged object (assuming a "normal" magnitude of charge) would only be able to push away the cations from its surface by the distance of a few molecules, and the similar thing would apply to the anions in the other direction.
 

Related to Electric Field in an Electrolyte

1. What is an electric field in an electrolyte?

An electric field in an electrolyte is a force field that surrounds charged particles in a solution. It is created by the presence of ions in the solution and can be measured by the force it exerts on other charged particles.

2. How is an electric field in an electrolyte different from an electric field in a vacuum?

An electric field in an electrolyte is different from an electric field in a vacuum because it is affected by the presence of charged particles in the solution. In a vacuum, the electric field is solely determined by the source of the charge, whereas in an electrolyte, the charges from the solution interact with the external electric field.

3. What is the role of an electric field in an electrolyte?

The role of an electric field in an electrolyte is to facilitate the movement of charged particles, such as ions, within the solution. It helps to create a concentration gradient, which drives the movement of ions from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

4. How is the strength of an electric field in an electrolyte measured?

The strength of an electric field in an electrolyte is measured in volts per meter (V/m). This unit represents the amount of force exerted on a charged particle per unit of distance.

5. How do different factors affect the electric field in an electrolyte?

Several factors can affect the electric field in an electrolyte, including the concentration and type of ions present, temperature, and the presence of other substances in the solution. These factors can alter the strength and direction of the electric field, ultimately impacting the movement of charged particles in the solution.

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