electrochemistry, science dealing with the relationship between electricity and chemical changes. Of principal interest are the reactions that take place between electrodes electrode, terminal through which electric current passes between metallic and nonmetallic parts of an electric circuit. In most familiar circuits current is carried by metallic conductors, but in some circuits the current passes for some distance through a
..... Click the link for more information. and the electrolytes electrolyte (ĭlĕk`trəlīt')
..... Click the link for more information. in electric and electrolytic cells (see electrolysis electrolysis (ĭlĕktrŏl`əsĭs)
..... Click the link for more information. ), as well as the reactions that take place in an electrolyte as electricity passes through it. The principles of electrochemistry are applied in a variety of ways, e.g., in electroplating and in the generation of electricity by magnetohydrodynamics magnetohydrodynamics (măgnē'tōhī'drōdīnăm`ĭks)
..... Click the link for more information. . See battery storage battery is generally of the wet-cell type; i.e., it uses a liquid electrolyte and can be recharged many times. The storage battery consists of several cells connected in series.
..... Click the link for more information. ; voltaic cell voltaic cell, a simple device with which chemical energy is converted into electrical energy. Two dissimilar metals (e.g., copper and zinc) are immersed in an electrolyte (e.g., a dissolved sulfate).
..... Click the link for more information. .

electrochemistry

Branch of chemistry concerned with the relation between electricity and chemical change. Many spontaneous chemical reactions liberate electrical energy, and some of these reactions are used in batteries and fuel cells to produce electric power. Conversely, electric current can bring about many reactions that do not occur spontaneously. In the process called electrolysis, electrical energy is converted directly into chemical energy, which is stored in the products of the reaction. This process is applied in refining metals, in electroplating, and in producing hydrogen and oxygen from water. Passage of electricity through a gas generally causes chemical changes, a subject that forms a separate branch of electrochemistry. See also oxidation-reduction.

electrochemistry (redirected from electrochemical)

electrochemistry

electrochemistry
(redirected from electrochemical)