How the Electrolysis Calculator Works

This calculator helps determine the mass of a substance deposited during electrolysis, based on parameters like current, time, and the substance being used. Electrolysis is a chemical process that uses electric current to drive a non-spontaneous reaction.

Steps to Use the Electrolysis Calculator

Select a substance from the dropdown menu or enter a custom element with its molar mass and valency.
Input the current (I) in amperes (A) and the time (t) in seconds for which the electrolysis process is carried out.
Click "Calculate Mass" to determine the mass of the substance deposited on the electrodes during electrolysis.
The calculator will show the mass deposited, along with the detailed steps of the calculation.

Common Substances and Their Values

Substance	Molar Mass (g/mol)	Valency
Copper (Cu)	63.55	2
Zinc (Zn)	65.38	2
Silver (Ag)	107.87	1
Lead (Pb)	207.2	2
Gold (Au)	196.97	3

Electrolysis Mass Calculation Equation

The mass of the substance deposited during electrolysis can be calculated using Faraday’s law of electrolysis:

1. Faraday’s Law of Electrolysis

Faraday’s law relates the amount of substance deposited to the charge passed through the electrolyte:

m = (Q × Molar Mass) / (n × F)

Where:

m = mass of the substance deposited (g)
Q = charge (C), calculated as Q = I × t
n = valency (number of electrons required for the reaction)
F = Faraday’s constant (96485 C/mol)
Molar Mass = molar mass of the substance (g/mol)

2. Calculation Steps

The steps involved in the calculation are as follows:

Step 1: Calculate the total charge (Q) by multiplying current (I) with time (t): Q = I × t
Step 2: Apply Faraday’s law of electrolysis to find the mass: m = (Q × Molar Mass) / (n × F)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a process that uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. It is commonly used to extract metals from ores, electroplate objects, and in the production of gases like hydrogen and oxygen.

2. How is the current and time related to the amount of substance deposited?

The amount of substance deposited is directly proportional to the total charge (Q) passed through the electrolyte. Since Q = I × t, both the current and the time impact the mass of the deposited substance.

3. Why is valency important in electrolysis calculations?

The valency represents the number of electrons required to deposit one mole of a substance. It is crucial in determining how much charge is needed to deposit a certain amount of substance. The higher the valency, the more charge is required to deposit the same mass of substance.

4. Can I use this calculator for any type of electrolysis?

This calculator is primarily designed for metallic electrolysis, where metals are deposited at the cathode. It assumes you are working with substances that follow typical electrochemical reactions with known valencies and molar masses.