4.1.2 CIA Demonstration: The Electric Pickle

Question 1

CIA Demonstration: The Electric Pickle

Answer 1

• Pickles contain electrolytes that allow current to flow through them.
• The relaxation of electrons in sodium from excited states causes the pickles to glow orange-yellow

Question 2

electrolytes

Answer 2

• Electrolytes are particles (such as ions) that, in solution, enable the conduction of electricity.
• Pickles contain acetic acid (CH3COOH) and sodium chloride (NaCl), both of which yield ions when dissolved in solution.
• These electrolytes allow currentto flow through a pickle plugged into the wall.
• When a pickle is plugged in, it glows orange-yellow. This color is caused by the relaxation of electrons in sodium from excited states to the ground state. This same process causes sodium streetlights to have an orange-yellow color.