electrochemical series
- noun
- /ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈkɛmɪkəl ˈsɪriz/
- Specialized
:
serie electroquímica
- The electrochemical series helps predict which metals are more likely to oxidize during a chemical reaction.
Examples
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In batteries, the arrangement of metals in the electrochemical series determines the flow of electrons.
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Understanding the electrochemical series is essential for developing efficient corrosion prevention strategies.
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In contrast, chromium forms an extremely stable thin oxide layer because of its low electrochemical series potential of -0.74 V (Cr 3+/Cr couple).
Academic text (1998)
Synonyms
A list of metals and metal ions arranged by how easily they lose electrons
A list of metals that shows which metal can replace another in a liquid
Surface Forms
Morphology
The term is compositionally transparent: 'electrochemical' specifies the electrical/chemical domain and 'series' denotes an ordered list, so the overall meaning (an ordered list relating to electrochemical properties) can be directly inferred from the parts. Although it's a technical term, its components follow a regular modifier+noun pattern, making the basic sense accessible to learners who know both constituents.
Etymology
Electrochemical series is like a simple list: series means a row and electrochemical shows how metals behave with electricity and chemicals. The list puts metals in order by how much they 'want' to gain or lose tiny particles called 'electrons', so it helps predict which metal will give an electron (and corrode) or take one.
