The branch of physical chemistry which deals with the study of all
chemical and physical processes in which electricity is either produced
or consumed is called electrochemistry.
, Electrolysis
The process of decomposition of an electrolyte in its molten state or
solution by the passage of electricity is called electrolysis. In
electrolysis electrical energy is used to cause a chemical reaction.
,a) Weak electrolyte:
In weak electrolytic solution, very few molecules are dissociated into ions. That’s
why, conductance is very small at low dilution. As solution is diluted, degree of
ionization of weak electrolyte increases and the number of ions in the solution also
increases which increases the equivalent or molar conductance.
b) Strong electrolyte:
In case of strong electrolyte, the electrolyte is almost completely ionized at all
concentrations. So there are large number of ions which are very close together at
low dilution. As the solution is diluted, ions become more and more far apart
decreasing the inter-ionic force of attraction between opposite ions. Hence
conductance increases not due to the increase in the number of ions but due to the
increase in the mobility(speed) of ions.
, Electrochemical Cells