A silver cell operates by dissolving silver ions from a silver source, which then travel through an electrolyte and plate out on a receiving surface.
The Silver Cell Process Explained
The process of how a silver cell works can be broken down into a few key steps, which are described below based on information extracted from the provided reference:
- Dissolving Silver Ions:
- A piece of silver material, often called the anode, is placed inside the silver cell.
- This silver is in contact with the electrolyte inside the cell.
- When an electrical current is applied or under specific chemical conditions, the silver begins to dissolve into the electrolyte as silver ions.
- This process is mentioned in the reference: "And the silver ions as they dissolve".
- Ion Migration:
- The dissolved silver ions travel through the electrolyte.
- The electrolyte serves as a conductive medium, allowing the silver ions to move freely within the cell.
- The reference states "they travel through the electrolyte."
- Plating Out:
- The silver ions eventually reach the receiving surface, often a stainless steel bowl in the referenced context.
- Here, the ions revert to their metallic silver form and are deposited (plated out) onto this surface.
- The reference specifies: "And then plate out on the inside of the stainless steel bowl."
Summary
Here's a table summarizing the silver cell operation:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Silver Dissolution | Silver from the anode dissolves into the electrolyte as silver ions. |
| Ion Migration | The silver ions travel through the electrolyte. |
| Silver Plating Out | Silver ions plate out (deposit) on the receiving surface. |
In essence, the silver cell facilitates the transfer of silver from one location to another via the dissolution, transport, and deposition of silver ions.
