Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1965

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Physics

Abstract

Present theories describing polarography processes are inadequate for, they do not correctly predict experimental results. However, this use of the average conceals how poorly the instantaneous time-dependence of the diffusion current is represented. Accordingly this paper attempts to illuminate the situation and do what it can to remedy the problem. Some authors have sought to make theory agree with experiment by improving the approximate solution of the accepted partial differential equation. Such attempts have met with little success in predicting the instantaneous current. The present paper points out a flaw inherent in the accepted p.d.e. A few workers have adopted a nonrigorous approach to the problem and have obtained better results. Since a solution to the new p.d.e was not found, the present study also engages in a nonrigorous research which proves fruitful, yielding better results than have hitherto been obtained. This paper begins with a compendium of polarography for the purpose of familiarization. This is followed by a derivation of a new p.d.e. and a derivation of a function that fits the instantons current-time data.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Diffusion
Polarography

Description

Includes bibliographical references

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

49

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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