Question

When certain solutes are dissolved, they free up charged particles that can allow electric current to pass as seen in the image below.



Using the image as a model and your knowledge of compounds formed by elements on the periodic table (interactive periodic table link for support) determine if the following would likely be conductors or insulators.

(1 point)
Conductor Insulator
Solid table salt, NaCl


Dissolved table salt, Na+ + Cl−


Solid calcium carbonate, CaCO3
limestone


Dissolved oxygen gas, O2


Sugar sports drinks such as Gatorade

Answer 1

Solid table salt, NaCl — Insulator
- In the solid ionic lattice the ions are fixed in place, so it does not conduct.

Dissolved table salt, Na+ + Cl− — Conductor
- In water the Na+ and Cl− are free to move and carry charge.

Solid calcium carbonate, CaCO3 (limestone) — Insulator
- As a solid ionic/carbonate solid the ions are locked in the lattice and cannot conduct.

Dissolved oxygen gas, O2 — Insulator
- Dissolved O2 is neutral molecules (no free ions), so it does not conduct electricity.

Sugar sports drinks (e.g., Gatorade) — Conductor
- They contain dissolved electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl−, etc.), which allow current to flow.