| MadSci Network: Engineering |
Hi Victor No a current must pass through the liquid (unless you want to use alternating current and alternating magnetic fields - which gets a bit complicated). You best idea is to change the liquid. Mercury is best but turns the hair of all the health-and-safety inspectors white! Dilute sulphuric acid is the best conductor among ionic water-based liquids and if you use lead electrodes you will get no toxic gas. (All you will get is a little energy stored in your "lead acid battery"!). If you use very high current densities (amps per square inch), you will get hydrogen and oxygen released all ready to go bang if you apply a match or a spark. So keep it well ventilated. Dilute sulphuric acid (density 1.2 g/ml) is not dangerous, but keep it off your hands, eyes and clothes. John
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