GUJARAT SET 2021
The Debye-Falkenhagen effect covers
- (A) Conductance under low potential gradient.
- (B) Conductance under high potential gradient.
- (C) Conductance under normal potential and A. C. frequency.
- (D) Conductance under high A. C. frequency.
Correct Answer: (D) Conductance under high A. C. frequency.
The Debye-Falkenhagen effect describes the increase in the electrical conductivity of an electrolyte solution when subjected to a high-frequency alternating current (A. C.) field.
At high frequencies, the polarity of the electrodes changes so rapidly that the ionic atmosphere surrounding an ion does not have enough time to reform or relax. This eliminates the asymmetry effect (the braking force caused by the atmosphere), allowing the ion to move more freely and increasing the overall conductance.
(A) Conductance under low potential gradient and (B) Conductance under high potential gradient refer to the Wien effect, where conductance changes due to the strength (potential gradient) of the applied field, not its frequency.