On the hydrodynamics of the polarographic maxima of the first kind

Abstract

The mechanism of polarographic maxima of the first kind, positive and negative, was investigated. Tracks of suspended particles photographed at 16 fps were analysed and found to obey a power law consistent with increasing speeds towards the mercury drop surface pointing to even more rapid movement of the mercury surface. The motions of large particles trapped in specific parts of the flow patterns were photographed and their velocities analysed. Particle motion in the mainly stagnant layer below the drop outlined by interferometry was contrasted with the motion of particles in the streaming region. Finally particles deposited on the drop were used to show the motion of the surface of the bottom hemisphere of the drop. High speed motion picture photography was used to record the change of shape of the drop on sudden polarization and to find the resonant frequency of the drop.