(2.)  The  number  of  ions  liberated  in  a  given
time  is  proportional  to  the  strength  of  the  cur-
rent passing.  Twice  as  great  a  current  will
liberate  twice  as  many  ions.  The  current  may
be  regarded  as  being  carried  through  the  elec-
trolyte by  the  ions:  since  an  ion  is  capable  of
carrying  a  fixed  charge  only  of  -f-  or  —  electri-
city, any  increase  in  the  current  strength  necessi-
tates an  increase  in  the  number  of  ions.
(3.)  When  the  same  current  passes  successively
through  several  cells  containing  different  elec-
trolytes, the  weights  of  the  ions  liberated  at  the
different  electrodes  will  be  equal  to  the  strength
of  the  current  multiplied  by  the  electro-chemical
equivalent  of  the  ion.  (See  Equivalence,  Elec-
tro-Chemical, La-d)  of  .}

The  chemical  equivalent  is  proportional  to  the
atomic  weight  divided  by  the  valency.  (See
Equivalent,  Chemical.}

The  electro-chemical  equivalent  of  any  element
is  equal  to  the  weight  in  grammes  of  that  element
set  tree  by  one  coulomb  of  electricity,  and  is  found
by  multiplying  the  electro-chemical  of  hydrogen
by  the  chemical  equivalent  of  that  element.  (See
Equivalent,  Electro-  Chemical. )

Electrolyte,  Polarization  of The

formation  of  molecular  groups  or  chains,  in
which  the  poles  of  all  the  molecules  of  any
chain  are  turned  in  the  same  direction,  viz.:
with  their  positive  poles  facing  the  negative
plate,  and  their  negative  poles  facing  the


Ele.]


204


[Ele,


positive  plate.  (See  Cell,  Voltaic.  Hypoth-
esis, Grotthus')

Electrolytic  or  Electrolytical. — Pertain-
ing to  electrolysis.
