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Glite Dictionary
electromotive force series

electromotive force series

9.5
A list of metals that shows which metal can replace another in a liquid
  • noun
  • /ɪˌlɛktrəˈmoʊtɪv fɔrs ˈsɪriz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : serie de fuerzas electromotrices
  • Zinc is placed above copper in the electromotive force series, so zinc can displace copper ions from solution.

Examples

  • By referencing the electromotive force series, chemists can determine whether a reaction will be spontaneous.

  • The electromotive force series is essential for predicting which metals will corrode in a given environment.

  • The electromotive force series helps predict how metals will react.

  • Can you explain the electromotive force series to me?

  • Chemists use the electromotive force series to analyze metal ion reactions in various solutions.

  • Understanding the electromotive force series allows scientists to predict the corrosion rates of different metals.

  • In the electromotive force series, potassium is ranked higher than gold, indicating its stronger reducing ability.

Synonyms

electromotive series
vselectromotive force series
  • Specialized
9.5

A list of metals and metal ions arranged by how easily they lose electrons

is the same meaning but uses the longer technical name
electrochemical series
vselectromotive force series
  • Specialized
7.8

An ordered list of metals and ions showing which ones gain or lose electrons more easily

focuses specifically on tendency to reduce ions lower in order

Surface Forms

electromotive force series singular
electromotive force series plural

Morphology

electromotive + force + series

Although the parts ('electromotive', 'force', 'series') hint at an ordering related to electrical influence, the phrase denotes a specialised electrochemical concept (ordering by standard electrode potentials and reduction tendencies) that cannot be derived from everyday word knowledge. A B1 learner who knows the constituent words but lacks domain knowledge of redox chemistry would not be able to infer the precise meaning.

Etymology

Electromotive force series is a simple list that ranks metals by how strongly they 'push' electrons. The word electromotive helps you imagine an 'electric push' and series just means 'list'. That's why a metal high in the electromotive force series can take electrons from a metal lower down, so the list shows which reactions will happen.