Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

Direct current causing a chemical reaction is called what?

1. Alternating current

2. Direct current

3. Galvanic

4. Resistive current

The correct answer is: Galvanic

The phenomenon of direct current (DC) causing a chemical reaction is known as galvanic current or galvanic action. This method involves the use of DC to facilitate electrolysis, where electric current is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. In esthetics, galvanic treatments can help in functions such as the infusion of products into the skin or the dislodging of impurities. Galvanic current specifically refers to the use of constant direct current that results in chemical changes, making it distinct from other forms of current. For instance, alternating current (AC) changes direction periodically and does not consistently facilitate chemical reactions in the same way that galvanic does. While direct current is part of galvanic, it is not exclusively chemical as it pertains to all applications of DC. Resistive current typically describes the flow of electric current through a material with resistance and does not inherently cause chemical reactions either. In conclusion, the identification of galvanic current directly relates to electrochemical processes used in esthetic treatments, making it the accurate term for direct current causing a chemical reaction.