Class 8th Test (Chemical Effect of Electric Current)

Electric Charge: - Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter. Everything around us, such as objects, people,
and even the Earth, has electric charge. There are two types of electric charges: positive and negative.

Key Points:

• Types of Charge:
1. Positive Charge (+): Found in protons.
2. Negative Charge (-): Found in electrons.
• Attraction and Repulsion:
1. Like charges (+ and +, or - and -) repel each other.
2. Opposite charges (+ and -) attract each other.
• Neutral Objects:
1. Many objects have an equal number of positive and negative charges, making them neutrally charged.

Electricity

Electricity is a form of energy that results from the movement of electric charges, specifically electrons, through
conductive materials like wires. It plays a crucial role in our daily lives, powering various devices and systems.

Key Points:

• Electric Current:
1. When electrons move through a conductive material, such as a metal wire, it creates an electric current.
2. The flow of electric current is from the negative terminal to the positive terminal of a battery or power
source.
• Circuits:
1. An electric circuit is a closed path through which electric current can flow.
2. A complete circuit consists of a power source (e.g., battery), conductive wires, and a load (e.g., light bulb
or electronic device).
• Conductors and Insulators:
1. Conductors are materials that allow electric charges (electrons) to flow easily through them. Metals like
copper and aluminum are good conductors.
2. Insulators are materials that do not allow electric charges to flow through them easily. Examples include
rubber, plastic, and wood.
• Voltage and Current:
1. Voltage (V) is the electrical force that pushes electrons through a circuit. It is measured in volts.
2. Current (I) is the rate of flow of electric charges (electrons) in a circuit. It is measured in amperes (amps).

Conductor And Insulator

Characteristic Conductor Insulator

Flow of Electric Allows electric charges (electrons) to Blocks the flow of electric charges.
Charges flow easily.
Electron Mobility Electrons are loosely bound and can Electrons are tightly bound to their atoms,
move freely from atom to atom. limiting their movement.
Examples Metals like copper, aluminum, gold, Rubber, plastic, glass, wood, and ceramic
and silver. materials.
 Usage Used in electrical wires and circuits to Used as the outer covering of electrical
carry electricity. wires and to prevent electric shocks.

Poor and good liquid conductor

Poor Conductors (Insulators) Good Conductors

Water (H2O) Ionic Liquids

Vegetable Oil Molten Salts
Ethanol (C2H5OH) Aqueous Solutions of Electrolytes
Acetone (CH3COCH3) Mercury (Hg)
Diesel Fuel Seawater
Pure Organic Solvents Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)
Benzene (C6H6) Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
Gasoline Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)
Mineral Oil Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH)

electrolysis
The effect in which components of a compound get split due to passing an electric current through it is
called electrolysis.
electrode
An electrode is a conductor of electricity that can carry electric current into non -metals and other poor
conductors of electricity.
electrolyte
A solution that breaks into its ions on passing electricity through it is called an electrolyte. El ectrolytes are
used in the process of electroplating.
anode and cathode
The positively charged electrode is called anode and the negatively charged electrode is called cathode.
anions and cations
An anion is a negatively charged ion and a cation is a positively charged ion.
Effect Of Electric Current

Heating Effect: When an electric current passes through a conductor, it generates heat due to the resistance of the
material. This principle is used in electrical heaters, stoves, and other devices that rely on resistive heating.

Chemical Effect (Electrolysis): As mentioned earlier, electric current can cause chemical reactions in certain
substances, leading to the breakdown of compounds or the deposition of metals on the electrodes. This effect is
utilized in processes like electroplating, metal refining, and the production of certain chemicals.

Magnetic Effect: When an electric current flows through a conductor, it generates a magnetic field around it. This
principle is fundamental to electromagnets, electric motors, and generators.

Lighting Effect: In some cases, electric current passing through a gas can cause the gas to emit light. This effect is
observed in fluorescent lamps, neon signs, and other gas discharge tubes.

Mechanical Effect: Electric currents in conductors can create mechanical forces when they interact with magnetic
fields. This is the basis of electromagnetic devices like motors.

Applications of chemical effects of electric current

 • Electroplating is a process of depositing a thin layer of metal onto the surface of an object using electric
current. It involves immersing the object (cathode) and a piece of the metal to be deposited (anode) in an
electrolyte solution. When an electric current is applied, metal ions from the electrolyte are attracted to the
object's surface, where they gain electrons and form a coating. Electroplating is used for decorative
purposes, corrosion resistance, improved conductivity, and wear resistance in various industries and
applications.

The process of electroplating involves several steps and can be summarized as follows:

1. Preparation: The object to be electroplated (the cathode) and a piece of the metal to be deposited (the
anode) are chosen. The cathode is thoroughly cleaned to ensure a good bond with the plating material.
2. Electrolyte Solution: An electrolyte solution is prepared, which contains metal ions of the plating material.
For example, if copper plating is desired, a copper sulfate electrolyte solution is used.
3. Immersion: The cathode (object to be plated) and the anode are immersed in the electrolyte solution. They
are placed in such a way that they do not come into direct contact with each other.
4. Electric Current: A direct current (DC) power supply is connected to the cathode and the anode. The current
is passed through the circuit, causing the metal ions from the electrolyte to move toward the cathode (object
to be plated).
5. Deposition: At the cathode, metal ions from the electrolyte gain electrons and get reduced to form a thin
layer of the metal, depositing on the object's surface.
6. Continued Plating: The plating process continues until the desired thickness of the plated layer is achieved.
The duration of plating depends on factors like the metal being deposited and the required coating thickness.
7. Finishing: After plating, the object is carefully removed from the electrolyte solution. It may undergo further
processing, such as polishing or cleaning, to enhance the quality of the plated surface.
8. Final Inspection: The plated object undergoes a final inspection to ensure the desired coating quality and
appearance.

Application of electroplating: -

• Decorative Finishes: Providing shiny and attractive coatings on jewellery, watches, and ornaments.
• Corrosion Resistance: Protecting metal objects from rust and corrosion.
• Improved Electrical Conductivity: Enhancing current flow in electronic components.
• Wear and Tear Resistance: Increasing the durability of machine parts and tools.
• Aerospace, Automotive, and Medical Industries: Utilized for various protective and functional coatings.
• Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs): Creating conductive pathways for electronic devices.
• Coins and Medals: Giving them an appealing appearance and protection.