What is the Difference Between Electrophoretic and Asymmetric Effect?

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The electrophoretic effect and the asymmetric effect are two different phenomena that affect the movement of ions in a solution. Here are the key differences between them:

  • Electrophoretic Effect: This effect is caused by the attractive forces between solvent molecules and ionic species in a solution. When an electric potential is applied to the solution, the movement of ions is influenced by the solvent molecules, which drag along with the ions due to the attractive forces. This effect slows down the movement of ions within the solution.
  • Asymmetric Effect: Also known as the relaxation effect, the asymmetric effect occurs when an electric potential is applied to an electrolytic solution, causing positive ions to move towards the negative electrode and drag along an entourage of negative ions. The ionic atmosphere around the moving ion is not symmetric due to the closer proximity of negative ions to the positive ion, resulting in resistance on the ionic species and affecting the speed of the moving ion. This effect is called "asymmetric" because the charge density behind the ion is greater than in the front, slowing the motion of the ion.

In summary, the electrophoretic effect is related to the influence of solvent molecules on the movement of ions in a solution, while the asymmetric effect is due to the uneven distribution of ionic species around a moving ion, causing resistance and affecting the speed of the ion.

Comparative Table: Electrophoretic vs Asymmetric Effect

The electrophoretic effect and the asymmetric effect are two different phenomena that influence the movement of ions in a solution. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between the two effects:

Feature Electrophoretic Effect Asymmetric Effect
Definition The effect of solvent molecules on the movement of a particular ion in a solution, causing ions to move towards the opposite charged electrode when an electric potential is applied. The effect of other ions on the movement of a particular ion in a solution, causing resistance on the ionic species and affecting the speed of the moving ion, especially in highly concentrated ionic solutions.
Occurrence Occurs when an electric potential is applied to a solution containing ions. Occurs in highly concentrated ionic solutions, where the ion sphere around the moving ion is not symmetric due to the closeness of positive and negative ions.
Influence on Ion Movement Causes ions to move towards the opposite charged electrode. Slows down the movement of ions within a solution.
Related Phenomena Electrophoresis, electrolytic conductivity. Ionic conductivity, resistance in ionic solutions.

In summary, the electrophoretic effect is the influence of solvent molecules on the movement of ions when an electric potential is applied, while the asymmetric effect is the influence of other ions on the movement of a particular ion in a solution, particularly in highly concentrated ionic solutions.