electrolysis and resistance
electrolysis and resistance
(OP)
Hi all, im an electronics engineer thats some across a few odd problems in the past and im wondering if you guys can help
Ive recently been using electrolysis to remove rust from some old machinery parts (renovation project) and ive noticed strange things lol. I mix a given solution of washing soda with water to increase its conductivity and it works well!! However the current draw from the power supply is massive compared to what it should be by basic ohms law. The only thing i can think of is that its due to the chemical changes in the water during electrolysis. With a standard dmm the resistance over 10mm varies wildly between 40kohm and 500kohm however when the anode and cathode are inserted the current rises to approx 9amps on a 24v supply. I understand that the electrolysis draws current but should the resistance of the water not limit this? even with small anodes and cathodes the current draw is suprisingly large!
Thanks
Harry
Ive recently been using electrolysis to remove rust from some old machinery parts (renovation project) and ive noticed strange things lol. I mix a given solution of washing soda with water to increase its conductivity and it works well!! However the current draw from the power supply is massive compared to what it should be by basic ohms law. The only thing i can think of is that its due to the chemical changes in the water during electrolysis. With a standard dmm the resistance over 10mm varies wildly between 40kohm and 500kohm however when the anode and cathode are inserted the current rises to approx 9amps on a 24v supply. I understand that the electrolysis draws current but should the resistance of the water not limit this? even with small anodes and cathodes the current draw is suprisingly large!
Thanks
Harry





RE: electrolysis and resistance
RE: electrolysis and resistance
So the electrolyte acts sort of like a zener diode insulating until a voltage point is reached and then allowing a much larger flow?
Thank you for dealing with a chemistry buffoon:)
RE: electrolysis and resistance
As compositepro already mentioned, resistance measurements made at low voltage in a conductive liquid with a DMM are not going to be useful to predict current flow.