Question

List the differences between metallic and electrolytic conductors.

Short answer

Answer: Metallic conductors conduct electricity through the movement of free electrons and have high electrical conductivity, making them suitable for electrical wiring and electronic devices. Their electrical conductivity decreases as the temperature increases. In contrast, electrolytic conductors conduct electricity through the movement of ions in a solution, have lower electrical conductivity compared to metallic conductors, and their electrical conductivity increases with temperature. The electric field effects differ as well; in metallic conductors, the electrons move opposite to the direction of the electric field, while in electrolytic conductors, positive ions move in the direction of the electric field and negative ions move opposite to it. Metallic conductors are used in electrical wiring and electronic devices, while electrolytic conductors are used in electrochemical reactions, batteries, and electrolysis processes.

Step-by-step solution

Definition

Metallic conductors are materials that conduct electricity through the movement of free electrons. Common examples of metallic conductors are metals like copper, gold, and aluminum. On the other hand, electrolytic conductors are substances that conduct electricity through the movement of ions in a solution, generally a liquid. In electrolytic conductors, the conduction process mainly involves dissolved salts, acids, or bases.

Electrical Conductivity

Metallic conductors have high electrical conductivity, meaning they can conduct electric current very efficiently. This makes them suitable for use in electrical wiring and electronic devices. In contrast, electrolytic conductors have lower electrical conductivity compared to metallic conductors. The conductivity of electrolytic conductors depends on the concentration of the ions and temperature of the solution.

Conduction Mechanism

In metallic conductors, the current is carried by the movement of free electrons available in the material's structure. The electric current flows easily through the material due to the presence of these electrons. In electrolytic conductors, the electric current is carried by ions present in the solution. When a voltage is applied, positive ions move toward the negative electrode, while negative ions move toward the positive electrode.

Temperature Dependence

The electrical conductivity of metallic conductors typically decreases as the temperature increases. This is because the increased temperature causes the atoms in the metal to vibrate more, which in turn creates more resistance to the flow of electrons. Conversely, the electrical conductivity of electrolytic conductors increases with temperature. The increased temperature results in more energetic movement of ions, leading to higher conductivity.

Electric Field Effects

In metallic conductors, the electrons move in response to the electric field. The movement of electrons in conductors is opposite to the direction of the electric field. In electrolytic conductors, the positive ions move in the direction of the electric field, while the negative ions move opposite to the direction of the electric field.

Applications

Metallic conductors are widely used in various applications such as electrical wiring, electronic devices, and electrical components due to their high electrical conductivity. On the other hand, electrolytic conductors are used in applications such as electrochemical reactions, batteries, and electrolysis processes. In summary, the differences between metallic and electrolytic conductors lie mainly in their conduction mechanisms, electrical conductivity, temperature dependence, and applications.