What is the Difference Between Electronic and Ionic Conduction?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between electronic and ionic conduction lies in the type of charge carriers involved in the process. Here are the key differences:
- Electronic Conduction: This is the movement of electrons from one place to another. In solid conductors like metals and semiconductors, current is due to the movement of electrons or holes, which is described as electronic conductivity. Electronic conduction is seen in materials like metals, where the outer electrons in the atoms are loosely bound and can move freely when an electric field is applied.
- Ionic Conduction: This refers to the movement of ions (anions and/or cations) from one place to another in a crystal lattice or a solutions of electrolytes. Ionic conduction involves the transfer of energy through the motion of charged atoms or molecules, rather than electrons. When an electric field is applied, the ionic charges move, creating a current.
In summary:
- Electronic conduction involves the movement of electrons.
- Ionic conduction involves the movement of ions (charged atoms or molecules).
Both methods are forms of energy transfer, but electronic conduction is generally considered more efficient because electrons in elements can move more freely when electricity is supplied.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Electronic and Ionic Conduction? Comparative Table: Electronic vs Ionic Conduction
Comparative Table: Electronic vs Ionic Conduction
Here is a table comparing electronic and ionic conduction:
Feature | Electronic Conduction | Ionic Conduction |
---|---|---|
Definition | Transferring energy in the form of an electric current through the movement of electrons | Transferring energy through the movement of ionic species (positively or negatively charged) |
Method | Electrons move from one place to another | Ionic species move from one place to another according to an ionic gradient |
Conductivity | Electrical conductivity due to the motion of electrons | Electrical conductivity due to the motion of ions |
Valence Electrons | Valence electrons in elements move freely when electricity is supplied | Ionic species move in response to an ionic gradient |
Application | Used in various electronic devices and systems | Used in applications such as batteries, fuel cells, and electrochemical sensors |
Electronic conduction is the process of transferring energy in the form of an electric current through the movement of electrons, while ionic conduction involves the movement of ionic species (positively or negatively charged) in response to an ionic gradient.
Read more:
- Metallic vs Electrolytic Conduction
- Electrical vs Thermal Conductivity
- Conduction vs Induction
- Conduction vs Convection
- Conductivity vs Conductance
- Ions vs Electrons
- Ionic vs Electrostatic Interactions
- Ionic Bonding vs Metallic Bonding
- Ionic vs Metallic Solids
- Electrical Conductor vs Insulator
- Ohmic vs Non Ohmic Conductors
- Ionization vs Electrolysis
- Ionic vs Covalent Bonds
- Ionic vs Molecular Solids
- Valence Band vs Conduction Band
- Conventional Current vs Electric Current
- Conductivity vs Molar Conductivity
- Electrochemical Cell vs Electrolytic Cell
- Ionic vs Molecular Compounds