Voltammetry is another electrochemical technique, but it’s different from potentiometry. Here’s a explanation:
What It Is
Voltammetry measures how current changes when you apply a voltage to a solution. Instead of just measuring the voltage like in potentiometry, here you apply a voltage and see how much current flows because of the chemical reactions happening at the electrode.
How It Works
- You have a working electrode in a solution that contains the substance you want to study.
- You apply a changing voltage to the electrode.
- The ions or molecules in the solution react at the electrode surface (they gain or lose electrons).
- These reactions produce a current, which is measured.
- By looking at how the current changes with voltage, you can learn about:
- What substances are present
- Their concentrations
- How fast the reactions happen
Key Difference from Potentiometry
- Potentiometry: Measures voltage without significant current.
- Voltammetry: Measures current while applying voltage.
Uses
- Detecting metals in water
- Studying chemical reactions
- Monitoring pollutants
- Pharmaceutical and biochemical analysis