Electrolysis Time Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the electrolysis time calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

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Formulas Used

Time Required

time_s = (target_mass * z * 96485) / (current * molar_mass)

Time Required

time_min = (target_mass * z * 96485) / (current * molar_mass * 60)

Time Required

time_hr = (target_mass * z * 96485) / (current * molar_mass * 3600)

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
target_massTarget Mass(g)10
currentCurrent (I)(A)5
molar_massMolar Mass (M)(g/mol)63.55
zCharge Number (z)2

How It Works

Electrolysis Time Calculation

Formula

t = (m × z × F) / (I × M)

Where:

  • t = time (s)
  • m = target mass (g)
  • z = charge number
  • F = 96485 C/mol
  • I = current (A)
  • M = molar mass (g/mol)

    • This is a rearrangement of Faraday's Law solving for time.

    Worked Example

    Deposit 10 g of copper (M = 63.55, z = 2) using 5 A.

    target_mass = 10current = 5molar_mass = 63.55z = 2
    1. 01t = (m × z × F) / (I × M)
    2. 02t = (10 × 2 × 96485) / (5 × 63.55)
    3. 03t = 1,929,700 / 317.75
    4. 04t = 6073 s = 101.2 min = 1.69 hr

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