CBSE Class 8 Science Exemplar Chapter 14: Chemical Effects of Electric Current NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This chapter delves into the fascinating world of chemical effects of electric current, crucial for Class 8 Science students. The NCERT Solutions cover key concepts such as the heating, magnetic, and chemical effects that electric current can produce when passed through various mediums. It explains how electric current leads to chemical reactions in conducting solutions, causes heating in conductors, and generates magnetic fields. The solutions also address practical applications like electroplating and the importance of proper waste disposal from such industries. By working through these solutions, students will gain a clear understanding of these phenomena, their underlying principles, and their real-world implications, aiding in effective exam preparation and revision.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 8
SubjectScience Exemplar
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 14

Chapter summary

Chapter 14 of the CBSE Class 8 Science Exemplar focuses on the Chemical Effects of Electric Current. The NCERT Solutions provided here explain the three main effects of electric current: chemical, heating, and magnetic. They clarify how conducting solutions react to electric current, leading to changes in color or deposition, and how this principle is applied in electroplating. The solutions also highlight the environmental considerations related to industrial waste disposal from electroplating processes. This chapter is essential for understanding the practical applications of electricity.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the three main effects of electric current: chemical, heating, and magnetic.
  • Explain how electric current causes chemical changes in conducting solutions.
  • Identify the factors affecting the conductivity of solutions.
  • Recognize the application of chemical effects of current in electroplating.
  • Understand the environmental impact of electroplating waste and proper disposal methods.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Effects of Electric Current
  • Heating Effect of Electric Current
  • Magnetic Effect of Electric Current
  • Chemical Effect of Electric Current
  • Conducting Solutions
  • Electroplating
  • Waste Disposal in Electroplating
  • Factors Affecting Conductivity

Important topics

  • Chemical Effect of Electric Current
  • Electroplating Process
  • Conductivity of Solutions
  • Effects of Electric Current (Heating, Magnetic, Chemical)
  • Safe Disposal of Industrial Waste

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

An electric current can produce:
  1. heating effect only.
  2. chemical effect only.
  3. magnetic effect only.
  4. chemical, heating, and magnetic effects.
Solution: The correct answer is (d) chemical, heating, and magnetic effects. Electric current exhibits multiple effects when passed through different materials or circuits.

Explanation:

1. Chemical Effect: When an electric current is passed through a conducting liquid (electrolyte), it can cause chemical reactions. For example, electrolysis of water produces hydrogen and oxygen gas. This is a chemical effect.

2. Heating Effect: When current flows through a conductor with resistance, electrical energy is converted into heat energy, causing the conductor to heat up. This is observed in devices like electric heaters and the filament of a light bulb.

3. Magnetic Effect: An electric current flowing through a wire creates a magnetic field around it. This principle is used in electromagnets and electric motors.

Therefore, electric current can produce all three effects: chemical, heating, and magnetic.

Question 2

Boojho and Paheli performed experiments using similar bulbs and cells but two different solutions, A and B, as shown in Figure 14.1. They observed that the bulb in setup A glows more brightly compared to the bulb in setup B. Based on this observation, what would you conclude?

Figure 14.1 shows two experimental setups, Boojho's Experiment (A) and Paheli's Experiment (B), each with a bulb, cells, and a solution (Solution A in setup A, Solution B in setup B). The bulb in setup A glows more brightly than the bulb in setup B.

(a) higher current is flowing through the circuit in setup A.

(b) higher current is flowing through the circuit in setup B.

(c) equal current is flowing through both the circuits.

(d) the current flowing through the circuits in the two setups cannot be compared in this manner.

Solution: The conclusion is (a) higher current is flowing through the circuit in setup A.

Explanation:

The brightness of the bulb is directly related to the amount of electric current flowing through it. A brighter glow indicates a larger current. Since the bulb in setup A glows more brightly than the bulb in setup B, it means that a higher electric current is flowing through the circuit in setup A.

This difference in current suggests that solution A is a better conductor of electricity than solution B. Solutions that are good conductors allow more charge to flow through them per unit time, resulting in a higher current.

Question 3

Boojho's uncle has set up an electroplating factory near his village. How should he dispose of the waste generated by the factory?

(a) in the nearby river.

(b) in the nearby pond.

(c) in the nearby cornfield.

(d) according to the disposal guidelines of the local authority.

Solution: The waste of the factory should be disposed of (d) according to the disposal guidelines of the local authority.

Explanation:

Electroplating factories often use chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. The waste produced can contain toxic metals and other substances that can pollute water bodies like rivers and ponds, and harm soil and crops if disposed of improperly. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the specific regulations and guidelines set by the local authorities for the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of industrial waste from electroplating units.

Question 4

When an electric current is passed through a conducting solution, and there is a change in the color of the solution, what does this indicate?

(a) the chemical effect of current.

(b) the heating effect of current.

(c) the magnetic effect of current.

(d) the lightning effect of current.

Solution: This indicates (a) the chemical effect of current.

Explanation:

The passage of electric current through a conducting solution can cause chemical reactions. One of the observable outcomes of these chemical reactions is a change in the color of the solution. This phenomenon is a direct manifestation of the chemical effect of electric current.

The heating effect is related to the rise in temperature, and the magnetic effect is related to the production of a magnetic field. Neither of these typically causes a change in the color of the solution itself.

Question 5

Which one of the following solutions will not conduct electricity?
Solution: The question asks to identify a solution that will not conduct electricity. Generally, pure water does not conduct electricity well because it contains very few free ions. However, many common liquids like distilled water, sugar solution, or alcohol are poor conductors. To provide a specific answer, more options would be needed. Typically, solutions that do not contain free-moving ions, such as pure water, distilled water, or solutions of non-electrolytes like sugar or alcohol, will not conduct electricity effectively.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the different effects of electric current (heating, magnetic, chemical).
  • Incorrectly assessing the conductivity of solutions based on bulb brightness.
  • Not understanding the environmental hazards associated with electroplating waste.
  • Assuming all solutions conduct electricity equally well.

Revision tips

  • Review the definitions and examples of heating, magnetic, and chemical effects of electric current.
  • Pay close attention to how the brightness of the bulb indicates the conductivity of the solution.
  • Understand the process and importance of electroplating.
  • Memorize the correct procedure for disposing of industrial waste from electroplating factories.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following are the effects produced by an electric current?

Q2. In an experiment, the bulb glows more brightly in setup A than in setup B. What can be concluded?

Q3. Why is it important to dispose of waste from electroplating factories according to local authority guidelines?

Q4. A change in the color of a conducting solution when electric current passes through it indicates:

Frequently asked questions

What are the main effects of electric current discussed in Chapter 14?

Chapter 14 discusses three main effects of electric current: the heating effect, the magnetic effect, and the chemical effect.

How does electric current affect a conducting solution?

When electric current passes through a conducting solution, it can cause chemical reactions, leading to changes like the deposition of a metal or a change in the color of the solution. This is known as the chemical effect of electric current.

What is electroplating and how is it related to electric current?

Electroplating is a process where a thin layer of a desired metal is deposited onto another object using electric current. It relies on the chemical effect of electric current passing through a solution containing metal ions.

Why is the brightness of the bulb important in experiments with conducting solutions?

The brightness of the bulb indicates the amount of current flowing through the circuit. A brighter bulb means a higher current, which implies that the solution is a good conductor of electricity.

What is the environmental concern with electroplating factories?

Electroplating factories produce waste that contains hazardous chemicals. Improper disposal of this waste can lead to severe water pollution and environmental damage.

How should waste from electroplating factories be disposed of?

Waste from electroplating factories must be disposed of strictly according to the guidelines set by the local authorities to prevent environmental pollution.

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