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Chemistry

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  • $\begingroup$ So is it about the interionic forces in water? $\endgroup$
    – Harikrishnan M
    Commented Mar 19 at 12:51
  • 7
    $\begingroup$ 2 electrons would not make so big difference. Consider the capacitance of the electrode and the equation dE = dq/C. Very roughly some 10 millions of electrons just for Delta E = 1 V for C = 1 pF. More at a much higher capacitance. Finally, potential gets so low electrons start to get hydrated and quickly reducing water or H+(aq) to hydrogen. $\endgroup$
    – Poutnik
    Commented Mar 19 at 13:26
  • $\begingroup$ @Poutnik I guess that explains the non-reactivity of Zn towards cold/hot water and reactivity only towards steam? $\endgroup$
    – Harikrishnan M
    Commented Mar 19 at 15:17
  • 4
    $\begingroup$ @Poutnik. I expected your answer. I perfectly know that one and only one atom cannot be ionized and dissolved. But it was an image. I think instead of one, I should have said "the first millions". But this amount is not known with accuracy. And it would start a long series of remarks about its real values, which is not important for the present problem. It is better to choose a simple number like "one", even if it is probably not one. $\endgroup$
    – Maurice
    Commented Mar 19 at 16:44
  • 5
    $\begingroup$ But it is severely misleading, and without much justification. "Many" is enough. $\endgroup$
    – Poutnik
    Commented Mar 19 at 17:58