Chemistry

Comparison of Metallic Conduction and Electrolytic Conduction

Comparison of Metallic Conduction and Electrolytic Conduction

Comparison of metallic conduction and electrolytic conduction

Conductors of electricity may be divided into two groups according to the mechanism by which electricity is carried through them. In a metallic conductor, the charge carriers are electrons and, under the influence of an external electric field, they acquire some average drift velocity in the direction opposite the field.

Metallic conduction

  • The current is solely carried by the electrons in the conduction band.
  • The velocity of the electrons is very large.
  • During passage of current no chemical reaction occurs; only heating effect is produced.
  • Specific conductance of many metals are quite high, they are very good conductors of electricity.
  • Temperature co-efficient in general is negative (alloys show complex behavior).
  • Ohm’s law applies.
  • Conductance may be measured by d-c or a-c current.

Electrolytic conduction

  • The current is carried by both cations and anions.
  • Ionic velocities are much smaller than electron velocities.
  • Passage of current brings about chemical reactions; heat is also evolved.
  • Specific conductance is low; they are moderately good conductors.
  • Temperature co-efficient is positive.
  • Ohm’s law applies
  • Conductance is measured by a-c source; d-c current can be used only by elaborate arrangements.