Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Chronopotentiometry Of Bismuth, Cynthia Elaine Wilson

Honors Theses

Whenever a constant current electrolysis is performed without stirring, the potentials of the electrodes change with time because the concentrations change at the surfaces of the electrodes. The principle of chronopotentiometry is based upon the idea that since the current is kept constant, the electrolysis proceeds at a constant rate. When the electrolysis circuit is closed, the concentrations of the substances taking part in the electrochemical reaction at the surface of the electrode start to vary. The electrode takes up the equilibrium potential as given by the Nernst equation provided the reaction is reversible. If the transport of the substances …