Articles about "Electrokinetics"
Table of Contents
Electrokinetics is the study of how charged particles move in a fluid when an electric field is applied. This movement can happen in different ways, depending on the properties of the fluid and the electric field.
How It Works
When an electric field is applied to a fluid containing charged particles, it causes the particles to move. This movement is influenced by how the fluid flows and its electrical properties. The flow can be steady or change over time, and the way the particles behave can vary based on their size and charge.
Applications
Electrokinetics has many practical uses. For example, it can help in sorting and concentrating small particles, like polystyrene beads, in a solution. This is useful in fields like medicine and materials science. By adjusting the electric field and fluid flow, scientists can control where these particles go and how efficiently they can be gathered.
Key Factors
Several factors affect how well electrokinetics works. The size and charge of the particles, the type of fluid, and the strength and frequency of the electric field all play important roles. By fine-tuning these factors, researchers can achieve better results in focusing and moving particles in various applications.