To determine whether the substances you listed are conductors or insulators, we can analyze each one based on its state (solid or dissolved) and its ionic or molecular nature:
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Solid table salt (NaCl): Insulator. In solid form, NaCl is a crystalline ionic compound and does not conduct electricity because the ions are fixed in place.
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Sugar sports drinks (such as Gatorade): Insulator. Sugar is a molecular compound that does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, so it does not conduct electricity.
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Solid calcium carbonate (CaCO3, limestone): Insulator. Similar to solid NaCl, solid CaCO3 is an ionic compound but does not conduct electricity in its solid state due to the fixed positions of the ions.
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Dissolved table salt (Na⁺ + Cl⁻): Conductor. When NaCl is dissolved in water, it dissociates into free ions (Na⁺ and Cl⁻), which can move freely and carry electric current.
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Dissolved oxygen gas (O₂): Insulator. Gaseous oxygen does not dissociate into ions in solution and therefore does not conduct electricity.
Summary:
- Solid NaCl: Insulator
- Sugar sports drinks (Gatorade): Insulator
- Solid CaCO3: Insulator
- Dissolved NaCl: Conductor
- Dissolved O₂: Insulator
In conclusion, dissolved NaCl is the only substance in your list that acts as a conductor, while the others are insulators.
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