Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Anodic Dissolution Of Zinc In Potassium Nitrate, Martin E. Straumanis, J. L. Reed, William Joseph James

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The apparent valence of pure zinc dissolving anodically in 3% KNO₃ was determined as a function of current density, temperature, and ultrasonic agitation. The apparent valence of zinc dissolving anodically at 24°C diminishes from 2.01 ± 0.01 at low current densities to 1.86 at about 50 ma and remains fairly constant up to about 80 ma cm−2. This valence is affected to some extent by the preparation, e.g., polishing of the electrode, but is independent of its structure (mono- or polycrystal). Ultrasonic vibrations do not influence the apparent valence at high current densities. In all cases a black film …