The electrochemical equivalent constant, often referred to simply as the electrochemical equivalent (ECE), is a measure used in electrochemistry to relate the amount of a substance produced or consumed at an electrode during electrolysis to the quantity of electric charge passed through the electrolyte.
### Definition
The electrochemical equivalent constant of a substance is defined as the mass of that substance which is deposited or liberated at an electrode when one coulomb of electric charge passes through the electrolyte. Mathematically, it is expressed as:
\[ \text{Electrochemical Equivalent} (E) = \frac{m}{Q} \]
where:
- \( m \) is the mass of the substance deposited or liberated at the electrode (in grams),
- \( Q \) is the electric charge passed through the electrolyte (in coulombs).
### Explanation
In electrolysis, when an electric current passes through an electrolyte, chemical reactions occur at the electrodes which result in the deposition or dissolution of substances. The electrochemical equivalent helps quantify these reactions. It essentially connects the physical amount of material with the electrical charge used to produce it.
To derive the electrochemical equivalent, you use Faraday's laws of electrolysis:
1. **Faraday's First Law of Electrolysis**: The amount of substance altered at an electrode during electrolysis is directly proportional to the total electric charge passed through the electrolyte.
2. **Faraday's Second Law of Electrolysis**: The amount of substance altered at an electrode is also proportional to the equivalent weight of the substance.
The electrochemical equivalent \( E \) can be calculated from the equivalent weight \( E_w \) of the substance and the Faraday constant \( F \) (approximately 96485 coulombs per mole of electrons):
\[ E = \frac{E_w}{F} \]
where:
- \( E_w \) is the equivalent weight of the substance (in grams per equivalent),
- \( F \) is the Faraday constant (approximately 96485 C/mol).
### Practical Use
The electrochemical equivalent constant is useful in various practical applications, including:
- **Electroplating**: To calculate how much material will be deposited onto a surface.
- **Electrolysis**: To predict the amount of substance that will be produced or consumed during the process.
- **Battery Technology**: To understand the efficiency of charge storage and material consumption in batteries.
In summary, the electrochemical equivalent constant provides a crucial link between the electrical charge used in electrochemical processes and the resulting physical changes in materials, helping to quantify and control these processes effectively.