Simple and direct interpretation of phase angles or derivation degrees in term of energy conservation vs. dissipation with Formal Graphs

With the help of a new theory using the notion of path in a graph, a physical interpretation and meaning can be given to electroanalytical measurements, without recourse to mathematical treatments. The frequency dependence of impedances measured by ac techniques, or the scan rate dependence of current vs. potential characterizations in large signal techniques (cyclic voltammetry), can be interpreted through this approach as a determination of the proportion of conserved energy vs. total energy involved in a mechanism. This total energy includes the energy which is lost by dissipation, i.e., converted into heat. This new way of thinking sheds an interesting light on the difference between normal and anomalous or fractal diffusion and provides to the analyst a simple and immediate tool for interpreting experimental data.