Formula used
Faraday’s law links electrical charge to chemical change. Current equals charge divided by time. Efficiency corrects the ideal result for real process losses.
| Quantity | Formula | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Required current | I = m n F ÷ (M t η) | Sizes the current for a target mass. |
| Deposited mass | m = I t M η ÷ (n F) | Predicts deposited, dissolved, or produced mass. |
| Required time | t = m n F ÷ (I M η) | Estimates operating duration. |
| Electrical charge | Q = I t | Calculates coulombs or ampere-hours. |
| Current density | J = I ÷ A | Checks electrode loading. |
| Gas amount | n = P V ÷ (R T) | Converts gas volume into moles. |
How to use this calculator
- Select the quantity you need to calculate.
- Choose a substance preset or enter custom electrochemical data.
- Enter mass, time, current, efficiency, and preferred units.
- Set cell configuration and electrode area when applicable.
- Use gas options for hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, or custom gases.
- Review the formula, steps, warnings, and converted results.
- Copy, print, or export the completed calculation.
Example data
| Substance | Symbol | Molar mass | Electrons | Example current | Time | Efficiency | Approximate mass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper (II) | Cu | 63.546 g/mol | 2 | 10 A | 8 h | 90% | 85.3 g |
| Silver | Ag | 107.868 g/mol | 1 | 5 A | 2 h | 95% | 38.2 g |
| Zinc | Zn | 65.38 g/mol | 2 | 20 A | 4 h | 85% | 82.9 g |
| Hydrogen | H₂ | 2.016 g/mol | 2 | 25 A | 1 h | 90% | About 10.4 L at 25°C |
Example values are simplified estimates. Actual production depends on chemistry, temperature, transport, electrode condition, and competing reactions.
Assumptions and design limits
The calculator assumes the balanced reaction and electron count are correct. It treats current efficiency as one combined correction. It does not predict voltage, heat generation, or mass-transfer limits.
Current density must match the electrode material and electrolyte. Gas calculations use the ideal gas law. Engineering systems require ventilation, controls, electrical protection, and chemical compatibility reviews.
Frequently asked questions
What is electrolysis current?
Electrolysis current is the charge flow through an electrochemical cell. It directly affects reaction rate and production. One ampere equals one coulomb per second.
Why is current efficiency below 100%?
Side reactions consume part of the supplied current. Gas evolution and impurities can reduce useful production. Enter measured efficiency whenever reliable operating data exists.
How do I choose the electron transfer number?
Use the balanced electrochemical half-reaction. Count electrons consumed or released per mole of product. Copper ions commonly use two electrons per copper atom.
Does a series cell stack increase current?
Series cells carry the same current through every cell. Total production can increase because each cell reacts simultaneously. The required stack voltage usually increases instead.
Does a parallel cell arrangement increase current?
Parallel branches divide the supply current between cells. Total supply current equals all branch currents combined. Use the current basis option to avoid ambiguity.
What is current density?
Current density is current divided by active electrode area. It influences coating quality, heating, and gas evolution. Acceptable values depend on the process and equipment.
Can this calculate hydrogen production?
Yes, select gas production and choose hydrogen. Enter the desired gas volume or applied current. Temperature, pressure, and collection efficiency adjust the estimate.
Why does temperature affect gas volume?
Gas expands as absolute temperature increases. The ideal gas law accounts for this relationship. Always convert temperature to kelvin before using the formula.
What Faraday constant should I use?
The default value is 96,485.33212 coulombs per mole. This is suitable for most engineering estimates. The field remains editable for specialized work.
Can this calculator size the power supply voltage?
No, it calculates current and electrochemical production quantities. Voltage depends on cell potential and operating losses. Add wiring, contact, electrolyte, and overpotential requirements separately.