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Chapter 7: Problem 13

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: No, the flow of saltwater through a pipe does not constitute an electric current. Although saltwater contains positive and negative ions that can potentially move electric charge, the equal number of these ions and their simultaneous flow cancels the net charge movement.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Electric Current

Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conducting medium. It is typically represented by the movement of electrons. In the case of saltwater, the movement of positive and negative ions can also result in the flow of electric charge.
02

Analyze the Saltwater Composition

Saltwater contains an equal number of positive and negative ions in solution. These ions can move freely within the water, creating a potential flow of charge.
03

Compare Saltwater Flow with Electric Current

When saltwater flows through a pipe, the movement of the positive and negative ions also occurs. If the movement of these ions maintains a continuous flow of charge, it can constitute an electric current.
04

Determine the Net Charge Movement

In the case of saltwater, the number of positive and negative ions is equal. As the saltwater flows through the pipe, positive and negative ions move together, and their movement cancels each other out. This means that there is no net movement of electric charge, and therefore, no electric current.
05

Conclusion

Although saltwater contains positive and negative ions that can potentially move electric charge, the equal number of these ions and their simultaneous flow cancels the net charge movement. As a result, when saltwater is flowing through a pipe, it does not constitute an electric current.

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