Chemistry Glossary

Ammeter

Ammeter - an instrument used to measure the electric current passing through a circuit

Anion

Anion - a negative ion and is attracted to the anode

Anode

Anode - the electrode where oxidation occurs. The anode of an electrolytic cell is the electrode connected to the positive electrode of the d.c. supply. Electrons are withdrawn from the anode by the power sou

Cathode

Cathode - the electrode where reduction occurs. The cathode of an electrolytic cell is the electrode connected to the negative electrode of the d.c. supply. Electrons flow from the power source to the cathode

Cation

Cation - a positive ion and is attracted to the cathode

Effluent

Effluent - an outflowing of water after use and this water may contain heavy metals

Electrolysis

Electrolysis - the chemical reaction that occurs when electricity passes through an electrolyte in molten state or in aqueous solution

Electrolyte

Electrolyte - a substance which conducts electricity in molten state or in aqueous solution, and is decomposed by electricity during the conduction

Electrolytic cell

Electrolytic cell - a cell in which electrolysis occurs

Electroplating

Electroplating - the coating of an object with a thin layer of a metal by electrolysis

Hoffman voltameter

Hoffman voltameter - an apparatus that can be used to carry out the electrolysis of acidified water

Preferential discharge

Preferential discharge - it occurs when an ion is discharged in preference to another on electrode in the electrolyte

Refining

Refining - the process of purification of a substance

Sodium amalgam

Sodium amalgam - an alloy of sodium and mercury

Variable resistor

Variable resistor - an instrument used to vary the resistance of the circuit and hence regulate the current

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