Concept explainers
Microbes such as bacteria have small positive charges when in solution. Public health agencies are exploring a new way to measure the presence of small numbers of microbes in drinking water by using electric forces to concentrate the microbes. Water is sent between the two oppositely charged electrodes of a parallel-plate capacitor. Any microbes in the water will collect on one of the electrodes.
a. On which electrode will the microbes collect?
b. How could the microbes be easily removed from the electrodes for analysis?
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