Question

In one to two sentences, explain how to compare the strength of electrostatic forces between molecules in saltwater to the strength of electrostatic forces between molecules in freshwater. Include a description of the data to be collected and how that data would allow one to draw conclusions about the relative strengths of the electrostatic forces in the two substances. Make your answer simple, coherent, and intended for 9th grade.

Answer 1

Measure and compare the dissolved ion concentrations (for example Na+ and Cl−) and the electrical conductivity of samples of saltwater and freshwater; saltwater will have much higher ion levels and conductivity. Because electrostatic forces come from charged particles, higher ion concentration and conductivity in saltwater means stronger overall electrostatic interactions than in freshwater.