WORK ABSORBED IX ELECTROLYSIS. 29 



to the chemical work, in kilogramraetres ; 

 >' the calorific work, in kilogrammetres ; 

 \Y the total work in kilogrammetres. 



The expression of the work of decomposition will be repre- 

 sented by the formula : 



w = - - kilogrammetres per second ; 



J 



that of the work absorbed by the resistance by : 



C 2 R , 

 w = kilogrammetres per second ; 



9/ 



and that of the total work by : 



_. CE + RC' 



W = . 



9 



If it is proposed to obtain a given weight of decomposed sub- 

 stances, per hour, the number of amperes will be immediately 

 determined by the electro-chemical equivalent of the electrolyte. 



One ampere liberates 0*00001036 gramme of hydrogen 

 per second, which corresponds to * 037296 gramme per hour. 



In order to estimate the quantity of metal liberated by the 

 electric current in one hour's time, it is sufficient to multiply 

 the chemical equivalent of the said metal by 037296. Re- 

 ciprocally, when the weight of the metal to be precipitated per 

 hour is known, the number of amperes required is obtained by 

 dividing the product of the chemical equivalent of the metal 

 multiplied by 0-037296 into the said weight. 



Calling H e the number of calories given off by one chemical 

 equivalent of the dissolution, the number of volts will be, as 



He 



already said : E = -^ 



Knowing C and E, the work of the electro-chemical decom- 

 position will be immediately determined. The tables (p. 43 and 

 following) give the chemical equivalents and the quantities 

 of calories given off in the electrolytes in general use. If the 

 heat due to the combination of the compound substance were 

 not given in the said tables, it would be necessary to determine 

 it by means of direct experiments. 



