Class 8 Science: Chemical Effects of Electric Current (NCERT Notes)
Institute: R.K Learning Hub
Notes by Raj Sir
Introduction to Electric Current
Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. It is used in various devices to
produce heat, light, and other effects. The unit of electric current is Ampere (A).
Chemical Effects of Electric Current
When electric current passes through a conducting solution, it can cause chemical reactions. This is
known as the chemical effect of electric current. These effects include the formation of bubbles,
deposition of metals, and changes in the color of solutions.
Electrolytes
Substances that allow electric current to pass through them when dissolved in water are called
electrolytes. Examples: Saltwater, acids, and bases. Non-electrolytes do not conduct electricity, e.g.,
distilled water.
Electrolysis
The process of using electric current to cause a chemical reaction is called electrolysis. It is used to
decompose compounds into their elements.
Example: Electrolysis of water produces hydrogen and oxygen gases.
Electroplating
Electroplating is a process that uses electric current to deposit a thin layer of metal onto another
metal. It is used for coating objects with a metal layer to prevent rusting or to enhance their
appearance.
Example: Coating iron with a layer of zinc to prevent rusting (galvanization).
Applications of Electroplating
- Gold plating on jewelry to enhance appearance.
- Chromium plating on car parts to prevent corrosion.
- Silver plating on utensils for a shiny finish.
Conductors and Insulators
Materials that allow electric current to pass through them are called conductors. Example: Metals
like copper and aluminum.
Materials that do not allow electric current to pass through them are called insulators. Example:
Rubber, plastic, and wood.
Testing Conductivity of Liquids
To test whether a liquid conducts electricity, we can use a simple circuit with a bulb or an LED.
- If the bulb glows, the liquid is a good conductor.
- If the bulb does not glow, the liquid is a poor conductor or insulator.
Distilled water is a poor conductor, while saltwater is a good conductor.
Electrolytic Cell
An electrolytic cell is a setup used for electrolysis, consisting of two electrodes (anode and cathode)
and an electrolyte solution. The positive electrode is called the anode, and the negative electrode is
called the cathode.
Effects of Electric Current
Apart from chemical effects, electric current can also produce:
- **Heating Effect**: Example - Electric heater, electric iron.
- **Magnetic Effect**: Example - Electromagnets, electric bell.
Key Terms to Remember
- Electrolyte: A substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water.
- Electrolysis: Chemical reaction caused by passing electric current through a solution.
- Electroplating: Coating of a metal surface with another metal using electric current.
- Conductor: A material that allows electric current to flow.
- Insulator: A material that does not allow electric current to flow.
Interesting Facts about Electric Current
- Pure water does not conduct electricity, but adding a small amount of salt makes it a good
conductor.
- Electroplating is widely used in the automobile industry to protect car parts from corrosion.
- Lemon juice can be used as an electrolyte in simple circuits like a lemon battery.
