Quick Check Help #1- Salt and pure water are not good conductors, but when mixed together they conduct electricity well. This is because the electrons in their atoms can move around more when they are mixed. Why do you think electrons being able to move might help something conduct electricity?

1 answer

When electrons are able to move freely within a substance, they can carry electric charge and create an electric current. This is why materials that allow electrons to move easily are good conductors of electricity. In the case of salt and pure water, when they are mixed together, the ions in the salt (sodium and chloride ions) are able to move in the solution, allowing electricity to flow through the solution. This increased movement of charged particles enhances the conductivity of the solution.