ROCHELLE SALT Meaning and
Definition
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Rochelle salt, also known as sodium potassium tartrate tetrahydrate, is a white crystalline compound belonging to the family of salts. It is commonly used in various applications due to its unique properties.
Chemically, Rochelle salt is formed by the combination of potassium bitartrate (cream of tartar) and sodium carbonate with water molecules. It is classified as a double salt because it contains two different cations (sodium and potassium) in its structure.
Rochelle salt is highly soluble in water and has a sweet taste, making it suitable for culinary purposes. However, it is primarily utilized in the fields of chemistry and medicine. It serves as an essential ingredient in silvering mirrors, as it acts as a reducing agent to deposit a thin layer of silver on glass surfaces. This property also makes it useful in certain photographic and printing techniques as well as in the manufacturing of electronic devices, such as capacitors.
Moreover, Rochelle salt has piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical pressure or tension. This makes it key in the production of piezoelectric crystals used in transducers, sensors, and other electronic applications.
Due to its compatibility with the human body, Rochelle salt also finds application in medicine, particularly in the form of laxatives and as a component of some medical preparations. It has a gentle and mild action on the digestive system.
Overall, Rochelle salt is a versatile compound with diverse uses in various industries, demonstrating its significance and efficacy in numerous applications.
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The trtrate of soda and potassa.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ROCHELLE SALT
- eochelle salt
- dochelle salt
- fochelle salt
- tochelle salt
- 5ochelle salt
- 4ochelle salt
- richelle salt
- rkchelle salt
- rlchelle salt
- rpchelle salt
- r0chelle salt
- r9chelle salt
- roxhelle salt
- rovhelle salt
- rofhelle salt
- rodhelle salt
- rocgelle salt
- rocbelle salt
- rocnelle salt
Etymology of ROCHELLE SALT
The word "Rochelle Salt" derives its name from the town of La Rochelle, located in western France. The etymology of the word can be traced back to the 17th century when an alternate name for the town, Rochelle, was used to identify this type of salt.
Rochelle Salt is a specific type of salt known as potassium sodium tartrate or potassium sodium bitartrate. It is a double salt composed of tartaric acid and potassium sodium. This salt was first discovered and manufactured commercially in La Rochelle. The name "Rochelle Salt" was given to this salt due to its origin from the town.
Rochelle Salt gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to its unique properties, especially its ability to form piezoelectric crystals.
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