THE ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY AND CAPACITY OF DISPERSE SYSTEMS

Abstract

This report refers in particular to suspensions of biological cells. The interior of a biological cell is a well‐conducting salt solution, but at its surface polarization or the presence of a nonconducting membrane obstructs the passage of an electric current with a resulting low conductivity and high dielectric constant of the suspension. The theory for the passage of an alternating current through a suspension of this type is dealt with and experimental work with various kinds of suspensions such as cream, wet sand, blood, and animal tissue, is described to show the applicability of the theory. The determination of the volume concentration of suspensions, of the form factor of the suspended particles, of the thickness of surface membranes, and of the interior conductivity of living cells, are instances of practical applications.