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 Dissolved oxygen gas, O2 Solid calcium carbonate, CaCO3 limestone Solid table salt, NaCl Dissolved table salt, Na+ + Cl− Sugar sports drinks such as Gatorade

1 answer

To determine whether the given substances are likely to be conductors or insulators, we can analyze their properties based on the nature of their bonds and the presence of free-moving charged particles:

  1. Dissolved oxygen gas (O2):

    • Likely Insulator - Oxygen gas is a diatomic molecule and does not conduct electricity in its gaseous state.
  2. Solid calcium carbonate (CaCO3 - limestone):

    • Likely Insulator - Calcium carbonate is an ionic compound, but in its solid state, it does not have free-moving ions to conduct electricity.
  3. Solid table salt (NaCl):

    • Likely Insulator - Like calcium carbonate, solid table salt is an ionic compound, but in its solid form, the ions are fixed in a lattice structure, preventing conductivity.
  4. Dissolved table salt (Na+ + Cl−):

    • Likely Conductor - When NaCl is dissolved in water, it dissociates into Na+ and Cl− ions, which can move freely and conduct electricity.
  5. Sugar (sports drinks such as Gatorade):

    • Likely Insulator - Sugar molecules do not dissociate into ions in solution; therefore, they do not conduct electricity well.

In summary:

  • Dissolved oxygen gas (O2): Insulator
  • Solid calcium carbonate (CaCO3): Insulator
  • Solid table salt (NaCl): Insulator
  • Dissolved table salt (Na+ + Cl−): Conductor
  • Sugar (Gatorade): Insulator