Chapter 7: Problem 11

Salt water contains an equal number of positive and negative ions. When salt water is flowing through a pipe, does it constitute an electric current?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: Under normal circumstances, the flow of salt water through a pipe does not constitute an electric current, as both positive and negative ions flow in the same direction without any net flow of electric charge. However, under certain conditions, such as the presence of an external electric field or a difference in ion concentrations, the flow of ions could potentially create a net electric charge and generate an electric current.

Step by step solution

Define electric current

Electric current is defined as the flow of electric charge per unit time. The SI unit of electric current is the ampere (A), which is equal to one coulomb per second (C/s). Electric current can be generated by the movement of charged particles (such as electrons) through a conductive medium.

Analyze the composition of salt water

Salt water is an electrolyte, which means that it can conduct electricity. This is because it contains dissolved salts, such as sodium chloride (common table salt), which dissociate into positive ions (e.g., Na+) and negative ions (e.g., Cl-) when dissolved in water.

Discuss the flow of positive and negative ions in a pipe

When salt water flows through a pipe, the positive and negative ions within the solution are also flowing. If the flow of positive ions is in the same direction as the flow of negative ions, these ions will effectively cancel each other out, resulting in no net electric current.

Determine if salt water flowing through a pipe constitutes an electric current

In order for salt water flowing through a pipe to constitute an electric current, there must be a net flow of electric charge. Since both positive and negative ions flow in the same direction without any external influence, there is no net flow of electric charge. Therefore, the flow of salt water through a pipe does not constitute an electric current under normal circumstances. However, under certain conditions, such as when an external electric field is applied or if there is a difference in ion concentrations at different points of the pipe, the flow of ions could potentially create a net electric charge and generate an electric current.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Salt water contains an equal number of positive and negative ions. When salt water is flowing through a pipe, does it constitute an electric current?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define electric current

Analyze the composition of salt water

Discuss the flow of positive and negative ions in a pipe

Determine if salt water flowing through a pipe constitutes an electric current

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Astrophysics

Scientific Method Physics

Torque and Rotational Motion

Electricity and Magnetism

Work Energy and Power

Electric Charge Field and Potential

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.