Question

The potential difference between fixed charged layer and diffused layer with opposite charge is called (a) colloidal potential (b) electrode potential (c) zeta potential (d) none

Short answer

The potential difference between the fixed charged layer and diffused layer with opposite charge is called Zeta potential.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Potential Difference

First, let's recall the concept of potential difference. In electromagnetism, the potential difference is the work done per unit charge. It shows the difference in potential energy between two locations in a field and it is measured in volts.

Knowing Different Types of Potential

Secondly, it is necessary to understand the different types of potential mentioned in the given options. Colloidal potential is not a recognized term in physics or chemistry. Electrode potential refers to the difference in potential between an electrode and its solution. While, zeta potential is the potential difference between the dispersion medium and the stationary layer of fluid attached to the dispersed particles.

Identifying the Correct Answer

In the context of electromagnetism and colloid chemistry, the potential difference between a fixed charge layer and a diffused layer with opposite charge is known as the Zeta potential. Therefore, the correct answer is (c) zeta potential.

Key concepts

Understanding Potential Difference

In the realm of physics, particularly within electromagnetism, the term potential difference is frequently mentioned. Imagine yourself pushing a wheeled cart up a hill; the higher you go, the more effort it takes. This is akin to the concept of potential energy in electricity. Potential difference, measured in volts (V), quantifies the work needed to move a charge from one point to another. It reflects the disparity in electrical potential energy per unit charge between two locations in an electric field.

A simple analogy would be comparing the potential difference to the pressure difference in a water hose. Just as water flows from high pressure to low pressure, electric current moves from a point of high potential to a point of low potential. This movement does work, which can light up a bulb or turn a motor. Understanding potential difference is fundamental for grasping how electrical energy is harnessed and manipulated in various applications.

Electromagnetism and Its Principles

The interaction between electric charges and magnetic fields is the cornerstone of electromagnetism. It's a vast domain that permeates nearly all aspects of modern life, from powering electric devices to allowing compasses to point north. At its core, electromagnetism describes how electric charges produce electric fields and how moving charges, or currents, generate magnetic fields.

One classic example of electromagnetism at work is the electric motor, where electric current through a wire coil creates a magnetic field, which interacts with permanent magnets to cause rotation. Another is the generation of electrical power, where spinning turbines convert mechanical energy into electrical energy via magnetic induction. The concepts of electromagnetism are not only pivotal for understanding modern technology but are also essential for explaining natural phenomena such as lightning or Earth's magnetic field.

Electrode Potential: A Chemical Perspective

Venturing into the realm of chemistry, we encounter electrode potential, a concept pivotal to understanding electrochemical cells, batteries, and corrosion. When an electrode is immersed in a solution containing ions of the same metal, a measurable electric potential establishes across the interface. This potential results from the tendency of the metal ions to move in or out of the solution, a balance between the chemical reaction of the metal dissolving and the opposite reaction of the metal ions in the solution plating onto the metal.

The potential at the electrode's surface mirrors the concentration of ions in the solution and the inherent tendency of the metal to lose or gain electrons - a property known as its electronegativity. Understanding electrode potential is crucial when studying galvanic cells where chemical energy is converted into electrical energy or when preventing material degradation due to electrochemical reactions.