Tony is assembling a circuit at home. He understands that if he places the electrodes in deionized water, it won't conduct electricity and his circuit will not function. Which compound could Tony mix with the water to ensure his circuit works?

Answer 1

To ensure that the circuit works, Tony could mix a soluble ionic compound with the deionized water to create a conductive solution. Common choices include:

1. Table Salt (Sodium Chloride, NaCl) - When dissolved in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻), which can conduct electricity.

2. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda, NaHCO₃) - This compound also dissolves in water to produce ions that can facilitate electrical conductivity.

3. Potassium Chloride (KCl) - Similar to NaCl, it dissociates into potassium ions (K⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) in water, allowing for electrical conduction.

4. Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂) - When dissolved, it produces calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻), which are effective in conducting electricity.

Any of these compounds would work to mix with deionized water and enhance conductivity, allowing Tony's circuit to function properly.