Ask a New Question
Menu

Josh utilizes a conductivity tester to examine three solutions, as depicted in the image.

He evaluates a solution containing salt, another containing sugar, and a solution with alcohol. Among these solutions, if any, which one conducts electricity, and what is the reason behind it?

(1 point)
Responses

The sugar solution is conductive to electricity as a result of containing sugar ions that transport electric charge within water.
The sugar solution is conductive to electricity as a result of containing sugar ions that transport electric charge within water.

None of the solutions demonstrate electrical conductivity as they lack ions capable of transporting electricity in water.
None of the solutions demonstrate electrical conductivity as they lack ions capable of transporting electricity in water.

The salt solution is capable of conducting electricity due to the presence of salt ions that facilitate the transmission of electric charge through water.
The salt solution is capable of conducting electricity due to the presence of salt ions that facilitate the transmission of electric charge through water.

The alcohol solution exhibits electrical conductivity because it contains alcohol ions that facilitate the transmission of electricity in water.
The alcohol solution exhibits electrical conductivity because it contains alcohol ions that facilitate the transmission of electricity in water.
Skip to navigation

1 answer

The correct response is:

The salt solution is capable of conducting electricity due to the presence of salt ions that facilitate the transmission of electric charge through water.

Reasoning:

  • Salt Solution: When salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) dissolves in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). These ions are free to move in the solution, allowing the flow of electric current, which is why the salt solution is conductive.

  • Sugar Solution: Sugar (sucrose) does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water; it remains as neutral molecules. Therefore, it does not conduct electricity.

  • Alcohol Solution: Most common alcohols (like ethanol) also do not dissociate into ions in water, and thus they do not conduct electricity.

In summary, only the salt solution is conductive due to the presence of ions that facilitate the flow of electric current.