Scheme for QPCODE: 23129044

B.Sc DEGREE (CBCS) EXAMINATIONS, OCTOBER 2023

Fifth Semester

CORE COURSE - CH5CRT07- PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY– I

Common for B.Sc Chemistry ModelI, B.Sc Chemistry Mode lII Industrial Chemistry &
B.Sc Chemistry Model III Petrochemicals 2017 Admission Onwards
Maximum Marks: 60 Time: 3 Hours

PART A

Answer any TEN. Each question carries 1 mark.

1. What is critical volume of a gas?

The Critical volume of a gas is the volume occupied by one mole of the
gas atits critical temperature and critical pressure ..................... 1 mark

2. What is average velocity?

Mean of velocities possessed by all the molecules at a particular temperature

Definition or equations- 1 mark

3. What is collision frequency?
The total number of collisions between the molecules of a gas per unit time per unit
volume . (1mark)

4. What is the relationship between mean free path and coefficient of viscosity?
From Chapman Equation coefficient of viscosity is directly proportional to mean free

path;

Where; – coefficient of viscosity, - mean free path , m – mass of the gas, n*- Number
density, average velocity (1mark)

5. Why do liquid drops assume spherical shape?

Liquid drops tend to assume a spherical shape due to the minimization of surface energy. A
sphere has the smallest surface area for a given volume among all shapes. 1 mark

6. What is a unit cell?

 A unit cell is the smallest portion of the crystal lattice that, when repeated in all three
dimensions, reproduces the entire crystal structure. 1mark

7. Explain the occupancy of Oxygen and Sodium ions in Na2O structure.

In the crystal structure of Na2O (anti fluorite structure) , the O-2 ions
constitute a cubic close packed lattice (fcc structure) and the Na+ ions occupy all the
tetrahedral voids. 1 mark

8. What is the temperature at which the Hg metal behaves as a superconductor?

4.2K 1mark
9. Classify the two types of thermotropic liquid crystals.
Nematic Liquid Crystals and Smectic liquid crystals. 1mark

10. What is Freundlich adsorption isotherm?

In 1909, German scientist Freundlich provided an empirical relationship between the

amount of gas adsorbed by a unit mass of solid adsorbent and pressure at a particular
temperature.

It is expressed using the following equation – x/m = k.P1/n (n > 1)

where ‘x’ is the mass of the gas adsorbed on mass ‘m’ of the adsorbent at pressure ‘P’. ‘k’ and
‘n’ are constants that depend on the nature of the adsorbent and the gas at a particular
temperature. Correct equation-1mark

11. What is the importance of BET equation?

The surface area of an adsorbent can be easily calculated. ……1 mark

12. What are multimolecular colloids?

. Multimolecular colloids, also known as associated colloids, are a type of colloidal
dispersion where the dispersed phase consists of aggregates of molecules rather than individual
molecules. In these colloids, the molecules come together and form larger structures, often
called micelles, which can be dispersed in a solvent. (Any one point- …1mark)
PART B

Answer any SIX. Each question carries 5 marks. Give proportionate marks.

13. Discuss the compressibility factor of real gases. What is the significance?
Compressibility factor or the compression factor is a measure of deviations in the
thermodynamic property of a real gas from an ideal gas behavior. It is given by
For an ideal gas the compressibility factor is Z=1Z=1 per definition. The extent to which a real gas
deviates from ideal behavior can be studied in terms of compressibility factor. The compressibility
factor is a measure of the compressibility of a gas. (2 marks)
In many real world applications requirements for accuracy demand that deviations from ideal
gas behaviour, i.e., real gas behaviour, is taken into account. The value of Z generally increases with
pressure and decreases with temperature. At high pressures molecules are colliding more often. This
allows repulsive forces between molecules to have a noticeable effect, making the molar volume of
the real gas (Vm) greater than the molar volume of the corresponding ideal gas ((Vm) ideal
gas=RT/p(Vm)ideal gas=RT/p), which causes Z to exceed one.
When pressures are lower, the molecules are free to move. In this case attractive forces dominate,
making Z<1. The closer the gas is to its critical point or its boiling point, the more Z deviates from the
ideal case. (3marks)
14. What is the unit of van der Waal's constant b? How is it related to second virial
coefficient B?
The unit of the van der Waals constant b is typically expressed in cubic meters per mole
(m³/mol) or liters per mole (L/mol), depending on the unit system being used. (2.5 marks)

The van der Waals equation of state is given by:

( P+ a ( ) (V-nb) = nRT

Here: P is the pressure, V is the volume, n is the number of moles, R is the gas constant, and T is the
temperature.

The van der Waals constant b represents the volume occupied by one mole of the gas molecules. It is
a measure of the finite size of the gas molecules.

The second virial coefficient B is related to the van der Waals constant b through the equation:
 B = -b,

So, the second virial coefficient B is simply the negative of the van der Waals constant b. The second
virial coefficient is a coefficient in the virial expansion of the equation of state, and it provides
information about the deviation of real gases from ideal behavior. (2.5 marks)

15. Discuss the virial equation of state.

The most general equation of state for real gases is the virial equation ,
proposed by Kammerlingh Onnes. He expressed the product as a power series in
.

( ) ( )

The vander Waals equation of state for one mole of a gas is

( )(Vm – b) = RT , ( )

Mulyiplying by ,

( )

( ) ( ) equation(1)
The equation (1) expresses van der Waals equation in the form of virial equation in
powers of volume.

Or

In terms of a power series in ‘P’ , + …..equation(2)

Since, equation (1) becomes

( ) ( ) ( ) …...equation(3)
2 2
 a  P  b   P 
Or Z  1   b        ..... …...equation(4)
 RT  ZRT  Vm   ZRT 
The equation (3 &4) also expresses van der Waals equation in the form of virial
equation in powers of pressure.

Derivation of equation (1) or (3) ………5 marks

16. Discuss the different types of hydrogen bonding. What are its importance?
A hydrogen bond is an intermolecular force (IMF) that forms a special type
of dipole-dipole attraction when a hydrogen atom bonded to a strongly electronegative atom
exists in the vicinity of another electronegative atom with a lone pair of electrons.
Intramolecular hydrogen bonds

Intramolecular hydrogen bonds are those which occur within one single molecule. This occurs when
two functional groups of a molecule can form hydrogen bonds with each other. In order for this to
happen, both a hydrogen donor a hydrogen acceptor must be present within one molecule, and they
must be within close proximity of each other in the molecule. For example, intramolecular hydrogen
bonding occurs in ethylene glycol (C2H4(OH)2) between its two hydroxyl groups due to the molecular
geometry.

Intermolecular hydrogen bonds

Intermolecular hydrogen bonds occur between separate molecules in a substance. They can occur
between any number of like or unlike molecules as long as hydrogen donors and acceptors are present
in positions where they can interact with one another. For example, intermolecular hydrogen bonds
can occur between NH3 molecules alone, between H2O molecules alone, or between NH3 and H2O
molecules.

(3 marks)

Hydrogen bonding is important in many chemical processes. Hydrogen bonding is responsible for
water's unique solvent capabilities. Hydrogen bonds hold complementary strands of DNA together,
and they are responsible for determining the three-dimensional structure of folded proteins
including enzymes and antibodies. (2marks)

17. What are Weiss indices and Miller indices? Calculate the miller indices for (6a,3b,3c) and
(a, b, c) crystal planes.
The crystal lattice may be regarded as made up of a set of parallel and equidistant
planes passing through the lattice points. For any crystal, several different types of lattice
planes can be considered and they are designated in relation to the crystallographic axes. The
 ratio of intercepts of any crystal plane on the crystallographic axes is given by na:n’b:n’’c
where n,n’and n’’ are the Weiss indices and a,b and c are the unit intercepts along the
crystallographic axes. (1 mark)

Miller indices of a given lattice plane are a set of integers which are the reciprocal of
the Weiss coefficients with the fractions cleared. It is convenient to represent the Miller indices
of a plane as enclosed within parenthesis, ie., as (hkl). (1 mark)

The miller indices for (6a,3b,3c) crystal planes

The intercepts on the crystallographic axes are 6,3 and 3

Their reciprocals are 1/6,1/3 and 1/3.

Clearing the fractions, we get 1,2 and 2.

So the Miller indices are (122). (1.5 marks)

The miller indices for (a,b,c) crystal planes

The intercepts on the crystallographic axes are 1,1 and 1

Their reciprocals are 1,1 and 1.

Clearing the fractions, we get 1,1 and 1.

So the Miller indices are (111). (1.5 marks)

18. Compare the structure of NaCl and KCl by using Powder method.
In this method, the given substance is taken in powder form in a thin walled capillary
tube. It is then irradiated with monochromatic X-rays. The powder contains very large number of
micro crystals, randomly oriented in all possible directions and provides all types of lattice
planes for the reflection of X-rays.
Indexing of diffraction lines obtained in the case of NaCl gives (hkl) values which are either
all even or all odd. This shows that NaCl must belong to the face centered cubic crystal. In
fact, the structure of NaCl consists of two interpenetrating face centerd cubic lattices of , one
composed entirely of Na+ ions and the other of Cl- ions. The (100) and (110) planes each contain
equal number of sodium and chlorine ions and each layer of planes therefore scatters X rays
uniformly to cause a destructive interference and hence a systematic absence of reflections due
to those planes is observed. The (111) planes on the other hand, are alternating layers of Na+ and
Cl- ions only. Since the number of electrons is different (Na+ contain 10 and Cl- ion has 18
electrons) the scattering power due to these ions is different. So only a partial interference of the
reflections from Na+ and Cl- ions will occur and hence (111) reflections will be seen in NaCl
 pattern.
Indexing of diffraction lines obtained in the case of KCl gives (hkl) values which are
all even. This shows that KCl has a face centred cubic lattice like that of NaCl. The powder
pattern of KCl looks like that of a primitive cubic lattice since there are six lines followed by a
gap. The resemblance to a primitive lattice is a consequence of the fact that K + and Cl- ions have
the same number of electrons and thus have the same scattering power for X-rays. The net result
is the destructive interference of the two reflections from K+ and Cl- ions cancel out each other.
The (111) reflection expected for the FCC structure is hence not observed in the powder pattern
of KCl.

19. What are metal excess and metal deficiency defects?

If as a result of imperfection, the ratio of number of cation to anion becomes

different from that indicated by the ideal chemical formula, the defects are called non –
stoichiometric defects.
These defects arise either due to excess of metal atoms or non metal atom or presence of
impurities / foreign particle.

 Metal Excess Defects. The Colour Centres

It has been observed that if a crystal of NaCl is heated in sodium vapour, it acquires a yellow
colour.
This yellow colour is due to the formation of a non-stoichiometric compound of sodium
chloride in which there is a slight excess of sodium ions.
What happens in this case is that some sodium metal gets doped into sodium chloride crystal
which, due to the crystal energy, gets ionised into Na+ and e–. This electron occupies a site
that would otherwise be filled by a chloride ion, as illustrated in figure.

There is evidently an excess of metal ions although the crystal as a whole is neutral. A little
reflection would show that there are six Na+ sites adjacent to the vacant site occupied by the
electron.
The extra electron in thus shared between all the six Na+ ions which implies that this electron
is not localised at the vacant Cl– site. On the other hand, this electron is similar to the
delocalised p electrons present in molecules containing conjugate double bonds.
Light is absorbed when this delocalised electron makes an easy transition from its ground
state to an excited state. As a result, the non – stoichiometric form of sodium
chloride appears coloured. Because of this, the sites occupied by the extra electrons are
known as colour centres. These are also called F-centres. This name comes from the
German word Farbe meaning colour.
The non-schiometric sodium chloride may be represented by the formula Na(1+d)Cl where d is
the excess sodium metal doped in the crystal because of its exposure to sodium vapour.
Another common example of metal excess defects is the formation of a magenta coloured
non-stoichiometric compound of potassium chloride by exposing the crystals of KCl to K
metal vapour.
The coloured compound contains an excess of K+ ions, the vacant Cl– sites being filled by
electrons obtained by the ionization of the excess K metal doped in to the crystal.

 Metal Deficiency Defects

In certain cases, one of the positive ions is missing from its lattice site and the extra negative
charge is balanced by some nearby metal ion acquiring two charges instead of one.
There is evidently, a deficiency of the metal ions although the crystal as a whole is neutral.
This type of defect is generally found amongst the compounds of transition metals which can
exhibit variable valency.
Crystals of FeO, FeS and NiO show this type of defects. The existence of metal deficiency
defects in the crystal of FeO is illustrated.
It is evident from the above discussion that all types of point defects result in the creation of
vacancies or ‘holes’ in the lattice of the crystals.
The presence of holes lowers the density as well as the lattice energy or the stability of the
crystals. The presence of too many holes may cause a partial collapse of the lattice.
(2.5+2.5= 5marks)

20. Distinguish between physisorption and chemisorption.

 Any 5 differences- 5 marks

21. Write a note on Brownian movement and Tyndall effect

The Brownian movement.
Robert Brown in 1827 observed that pollen grains in aqueous suspensions were in
constant motion.Later it was found that particles of lyophobic sols were also in a state of
ceaseless erratic and random motion. This kinetic activity of particles suspended in a liquid is
called Brownian movement.
The Brownian movement is due to the bombardment of colloidal particles by
molecules of dispersion medium which are in constant motion like molecules in a gas. As a
result , colloidal particles acquire almost the same amount of kinetic energy as possessed by
molecules of the dispersion medium. Since the colloidal particles are considerably heavier
than molecules of the dispersion medium, their movement is considerably slower than that of
the molecules of the medium.
The Brownian movement is not observed in ordinary suspensions because the mass of
each particle is so large that the bombardment by molecules of the dispersion medium
produces little effect on them.
(Any four points - 2.5 marks)
Tyndall Effect.

It was observed by Tyndall, in 1869.

When a beam of light is passed through a colloidal suspension , it becomes visible as a
bright streak.
This phenomenon is known as Tyndall effect and the illuminated path is known as
Tyndall cone. This phenomenon is due to the scattering of light from the surface of the
colloidal particles.
The visibility of dust particles in a semi darkened room when sun beam enters or when
light is thrown from a light projector are examples of Tyndal effect. The dust particles are
large enough to scatter light and thus render the path of light visible.
The intensity of the scattered light depends on the difference between the refractive
indices of thedispersed phase and dispersion medium. In lyophobic sols , the difference is
quite appreciable and , the tyndall effect is quite well defined. In liophilic sols , the particles
are largely solvated. This lowers the difference in the refractive indices of the two phases and
hence the Tyndall effect is much weaker. The Tyndall effect has been used in devising
ultramicroscope.
(2.5 marks)
PART C
Answer any TWO. Each question carries 10 marks.

22. What are the postulates of kinetic theory of gases? Derive the kinetic gas equation.

The basic postulates of the kinetic theory are the following:

1. A gas is composed of large number of very small discrete particles called 'molecules'. All
molecules of a given gas are all identical (i.e.. of the same mass and size) but differ from
those of another gas.

2. The molecules are so small that their actual volume is negligible in comparison with the
total volume occupied by the gas. [They are assumed to be mere 'point masses'
dispersed in a lot of vacant space.

3. The molecules within a container are in a state of constant random chaotic motion
during which they collide with each other and with the walls of the container.

4. All molecular collisions are perfectly elastic so that there is no net loss of energy.

5. The 'pressure' of a gas is due to the elastic bombardment of the moving molecules on
the walls of the container.

6. There are no forces of attraction between the molecules.

 7. At a particular instant, different molecules in a sample of gas may have different
velocities and hence different kinetic energies. However, the average kinetic energy of
the molecules is directly proportional to the absolute temperature.

(4 marks for postulates)

Derivation of the Kinetic Gas Equation

According to the kinetic theory, the pressure that a gas exerts is due to the elastic
collisions of the gas molecules on the walls of the container.

Consider N molecules of a gas, each having a mass ‘m’, enclosed in a cubical vessel
of volume V, and the length l for each side of the cube. The motion of molecules in
the container at any instant is totally random.

Consider the motion of one of the molecules along the x axis, striking the face A. its
momentum will be mVx. On striking the wall it will rebound exactly the opposite
direction with the same velocity, because the collisions are completely elastic and
there is no loss of energy. The momentum of the rebounding molecule will be -mVx.

Therefore; change in momentum= mVx-(-mVx)

= 2mVx

Since the particle, as a result of impact travels a distance l to the left and l to the
right. Therefore, the total distance travelled by one molecule for each successive
collision on the same face is 2l.

Therefore, number of collisions per second =

Thus, the change in momentum per second =

Therefore, the total change in momentum per second due to the impact of one

molecule on the two opposite faces along the X-axis =

 Similarly; along Y- axis = and along Z- axis =

Therefore;

Total change in momentum by a single molecule = + +

= ( )

But there are N molecules moving with different velocities V1, V2, V3……………..Vn.
Each molecule will contribute to the transfer of momentum to all the faces of the
cube.

Therefore, total momentum transferred to the walls by N molecules per second

= ( )

( )
=

= (where C is the root mean square velocity)

I.e. the total momentum per second. It is equal to force F.

We know that ;

I.e.;

Area of a cubical vessel =

Therefore; = ( )

I.e.;

I.e.;

This equation is known as Kinetic Gas Equation. (6 marks for derivation)

23. What is meant by coefficient of viscosity? How viscosity is determined using Ostwald
viscometer?
 Viscosity of a liquid is the property of internal resistance to flow which arises due to
the intermolecular forces that hold its layers together and thereby oppose the movement of
layers past one another. Coefficient of viscosity (η) of a liquid is defined as the force per unit
area required to maintain unit difference of velocity between two parallel layers unit length
apart. ( Definition-2marks)

According to Poiseulle, the coefficient of viscocity ( ) of a liquid having laminar flow through
a tube is given by,

………………………….(1)

Ostwald’s viscometer is a U-tube with a bulb on either arm, as shown in the figure. The lower
part of bulb A is attached to a fine capillary tube B which in turn, has its lower part attached to
the remaining wider portion of the apparatus containing the bulb C.

In Ostwald’s viscometer, a fixed volume of liquid is allowed to fall under its own
weight and the time required to flow is noted. In such an experiment,
the driving pressure,

P =hdg--------------------(2)

Where h is the length of the liquid, d is the density and g is the

acceleration due to gravity. Substituting for P, the Poiseuille’s
equation now becomes:

…………………………(3)

Suppose equal volumes two liquids 1 and 2 , having densities d1 and d2 repectively and
coefficients of viscosity η1 and η2respectively are allowed to flow through the same tube under
identical conditions of temperature and pressure. If t1 and t2 are their respective times of flow
measured, it follows from eqn (3) that

…………………………(4)

………………………….(5)

…………………(6)

Provided the two densities are known, eqn (6) allows the calculation of the viscosity of one
liquid if that of the other , usually water, is known.

The viscometer is thoroughly cleaned and dried. A definite volume of distilled water is
 introduced into the bulb C through the upper end. It is then sucked in to the bulb A to a point
slightly above the mark X using a rubber tube attached to the other end D. Water

(density =d2; viscosity = η2) is then allowed to flow back and the time (t2) for its flow from the
mark X to the mark Y is noted.

The viscometer is dried and the above procedure is repeated taking the same volume of the
experimental liquid of unknown viscosity (η1) but known density(d1) and the coreesponding
time of flow (t1) is noted. Then from eqn (6), we get:

(Determination method- 8marks)

24. Explain in detail the X-ray diffraction techniques used in the study of crystals.
X-ray diffraction is a powerful technique used to study the atomic and molecular structure of
crystals. It relies on the principle of constructive interference of X-rays scattered by the crystal
lattice, resulting in diffraction patterns that can be analyzed to determine the arrangement of
atoms within the crystal. Here is a detailed explanation of the X-ray diffraction technique:

Principle of X-ray Diffraction:

X-rays are electromagnetic waves with wavelengths on the order of the spacing between atoms
in a crystal lattice. When X-rays encounter a crystal, they undergo diffraction due to the
periodic arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice. The scattered X-rays interfere
constructively at certain angles, producing a diffraction pattern in accordance with Bragg's
Law:

nλ = 2dsin(θ), where: d is the spacing between crystal lattice planes, θ is the angle
of incidence, n is an integer (the order of the diffraction), λ is the wavelength of the incident X-
rays. (2marks)

There are two important methods for studying crystals-. The Single crystal method and the powder
diffraction method.

(The Bragg's X-ray spectrometer method or Single crystal method)

The rotating crystal method (due to Bragg) for the X-ray diffraction studies of the internal
structure of crystal makes use of the instrument called Bragg's X-ray spectrometer.
Monochromatic X-rays of known wavelength (λ) generated in an X-ray tube is passed
through a slit to get a narrow beam. The beam is allowed to fall at a certain angle 'θ’ on a
 particular face of a large single crystal (of the substance under study) mounted on a graduated
turn-table.

The diffracted rays are allowed to pass into an independently rotatable recording device such
as an ionization chamber containing an easily ionisable gas like SO2 and connected to an
electrometer. The rays ionize the gas inside the chamber producing a current which is
measured by the electrometer. The greater the intensity of the diffracted beam, the greater
will be the ionization produced in the gas and the greater will be the electrometer reading.

By rotating the turn-table, the crystal is rotated gradually so that the glancing angle 'θ’
at which X-rays impinge on the exposed face of the crystal gradually increases. As the
direction of the diffracted ray changes, the recorder is also rotated correspondingly so as to
continue the measurement of their intensities. The particular values of θ observed in the
increasing order for diffractions of maximum intensity correspond to the first, second, third,
etc. order (i.e., n = 1,2,3,....) diffractions.

The experiment is repeated for other possible planes of the crystal. From the data, the
inter planar spacing 'd' for the different kinds of planes of the crystal can be calculated using
the Bragg equation:

nλ = 2 d sin θ

Rotating crystal X-ray diffraction is a powerful technique that is commonly used to determine
the structures of new materials. It is invaluable particularly in determining the structural
characteristics of crystals with complex structures. However, the technique is limited by the
requirement to grow nearly perfect crystals that are suitable for diffraction. (4 marks)

The Debye -Scherrer method or the powder method.

In this method, instead of taking a single crystal, the given substance is taken in powder form
in a thin walled capillary tube. It is then irradiated with monochromatic X-rays. The powder
contains very large number of micro crystals, randomly oriented in all possible directions and
provides all types of lattice planes for the reflection of X-rays. Consider a set of parallel
planes making an angle θ with the incident beam of X-rays. The reflected beam from these
planes will make an angle 2θ with the un reflected beam.

One gets a cone of reflected X-rays corresponding to each and every space lattice planes. If a
photographic film is curved into a cylinder around the capillary tube , the diffracted beam
will leave impressions on the film in the form of either curved or straight lines. The big holes
in the film correspond to the places where the X-ray beam enters or leaves it.

All crystalline particles whose (100) planes make the proper angle with the incident beam of
x-rays will produce first order diffraction maxima in directions lying on a circular cone.
Similarly, some crystals will be oriented in such manner as to produce another circular cone,
as the reflections from the (110) plane and so on for other planes and for higher orders. The
film cuts the cone in such a way as to two arcs; each pair gives the position of a reflection of
a definite order from a particular plane.
If ‘s’ is the distance of a diffracted beam from the centre of the hole and ‘r’ is the distance of
the film from the capillary tube , the angle 2θ of the diffracted beam with the unreflected
beam can be calculated using the expression .

From this , the incident angle θ of X-rays with the planes can be determined. Thus,
knowing the wavelength λ of X-rays, we can calculate the inter planar spacing dhkl using the

Bragg equation

The ratios of inter planar spacing of different faces in the three cubic lattices indicate to what
cubic system the given crystal belongs.

Simple cubic lattice

Face centered cubic lattice

Body centered cubic lattice

Thus by comparing the ratios of inter planar spacing of different faces in the three cubic
lattices with the standard values for the cubic lattices, we can determine the type of cubic
system the given crystal belongs to. (4 marks)

25. (a) Explain electro dialysis method for purification of sols

(b)
Write short notes on sedimentation and streaming potential.

Electrodialysis: (4 marks)

 In this process dialysis of the colloidal solution is carried out under the effect of the
electric field.

 Some potential is applied between the metal screens that support the membranes.

 Due to this potential, the speed of the ions moving in the direction of opposite
electrodes is increased.

 Thus, the rate of dialysis is increased.

 This method is not useful for non-electrolyte impurities like urea etc.
Sedimentation potential: (3 mark)

 Reverse of electrophoresis.

 Dispersed particles of a suspension are allowed to settle under the influence of

gravity, a potential is difference develops between the upper and lower layers of the
liquid column through which they fall. This phenomenon is called Sedimentation
potential or Dorn Effect.

 Can be observed as the potential difference between two electrodes placed at

different levels in the stream of falling particles.

 Explained on the basis of the existence of an electrical double layer at the solid liquid
interface.

Streaming potential: (3 mark)

 Streaming potential is opposite to electro osmosis.

 When an electrolyte solution is forced to flow through a stationary capillary or a

porous plug, an electrical potential difference will be produced between the two ends
of capillary or porous plug.

 This electrical potential difference is referred to as streaming potential, which means

the liquid carries away the ions with the charge opposite to the surface, giving rise to
a streaming current, consequently, leading to the accumulations of charge at the ends
and an electrical field.