Electrolyte

EXPLANATION

Electrolytes generally exist as Acid s, Base s or Salt s. Furthermore, some Gas es may act as electrolytes under conditions of high temperature or low pressure. An electrolyte may be described as ''concentrated'' if it has a high Concentration of ions; or ''dilute'', a low concentration of ions. If a high ''proportion'' of the dissolved Solute dissociates to form free ions, the solution is ''strong''; if most of the dissolved solute does not dissociate, the solution is ''weak''. The properties of electrolytes may be exploited via Electrolysis to extract constituent Elements and Compounds contained within the solution.

PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

In Physiology , the primary ions of electrolytes are Sodium , Potassium , Calcium , Magnesium , Chloride , Phosphate , and Bicarbonate .

All higher lifeforms require a subtle and complex electrolyte balance between the Intracellular and Extracellular Milieu . In particular, the maintenance of precise Osmotic Gradient s of electrolytes is important. Such gradients affect and regulate the Hydration of the body, Blood PH , and are critical for Nerve and Muscle function.

Electrolyte balance is maintained by oral intake of electrolyte-containing substances, and is regulated by Hormone s, generally with the Kidney s flushing out excess levels. In humans, salt Homeostasis is regulated by hormones such as Antidiuretic Hormone , Aldosterone and Parathyroid Hormone . Serious Electrolyte Disturbance s may lead to cardiac and neurological complications, and most are Medical Emergencies .

Measurement

Measurement of electrolytes is a commonly performed diagnostic procedure, performed via Blood Test ing or Urinalysis . The interpretation of these values is somewhat meaningless without analysis of the Clinical History , and is often impossible without parallel measurement of Renal Function . Electrolytes measured most often are sodium and potassium. Chloride levels are rarely measured except for Arterial Blood Gas interpretation, as they are inherently linked to sodium levels.

NUTRITIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Electrolyte drinks containing sodium and potassium salts are used to replenish the body's water and electrolyte levels after Dehydration caused by Exercise , Diaphoresis , Diarrhea , Vomiting or Starvation . Giving pure water to such a person is not the best way to restore fluid levels, because it dilutes the salts inside the body's cells and interferes with their chemical functions. This can lead to Water Intoxication .

Sports drinks such as Gatorade are electrolyte drinks with large amounts of added Carbohydrate s, such as Glucose , to provide energy. The drinks commonly sold to the public are Isotonic (with Osmolality close to that of blood), with Hypotonic (with a lower osmolality) and Hypertonic (with a higher osmolality) varieties available to athletes, depending on their nutritional needs.

Because sports drinks contain very high levels of sugar, they are not recommended for regular use by children. Rather, specially-formulated pediatric electrolyte solutions are recommended. (Also, dentists recommend that regular consumers of sports drinks observe precautions against Tooth Decay .)

Electrolyte and sports drinks can be home-made by using the correct proportions of sugar, salt and water. {Link without Title}

ELECTROLYTES IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY

See Also: electrolysis

Electrolytic conductors are used in electronic devices where the chemical action at a metal/electrolyte interface yields useful effects.

In Batteries the effect is used to store energy as chemical Fuel on the surface of metal plates, and the electrolyte also serves as a conductor, which connects the plates electrically.

In some Fuel Cell s, a solid electrolyte or Proton Conductor connects the plates electrically while keeping the hydrogen and oxygen fuel gases separated.

In Electroplating tanks, the electrolyte simultaneously deposits metal onto the object to be plated, and electrically connects that object in the circuit.

In operation-hours gauges, two thin columns of Mercury are separated by a small electrolyte-filled gap, and, as charge is passed through the device, the metal dissolves on one side and plates out on the other, causing the visible gap to slowly move along.

In Electrolytic Capacitor s the chemical effect is used to produce an extremely thin ' Dielectric ' or Insulating coating, while the electrolyte layer behaves as one capacitor plate.

In some Hygrometer s the humidity of air is sensed by measuring the conductivity of a nearly dry electrolyte. Hot, softened glass is an electrolytic conductor, and some glass manufacturers keep the glass molten by passing a large electric current through it.

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Electrolyte