Question
Franklin tests three solutions with a conductivity tester as shown in the picture. He tests a salt solution , a sugar solution, and an alcohol solution. Which solution, if any, conducts electricity, and why? A The salt solution conducts electricity because it has salt ions that carry electricity in water. B The sugar solution conducts electricity because it has sugar ions that carry electricity in water. C The alcohol solution conducts electricity because it has alcohol ions that carry electricity in water. D None of the solutions conduct electricity because they do not have ions that carry electricity in water.
Answer
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Erin
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
A. The salt solution conducts electricity because it has salt ions that carry electricity in water.
Explanation
The conductivity of a solution depends on the presence of ions that can move freely to carry an electric current. For each solution:1. **Salt Solution**: When salt (e.g., NaCl) is dissolved in water, it dissociates into Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions, which are free to move in the solution and conduct electricity. 2. **Sugar Solution**: Sugar (e.g., sucrose) dissolves in water but does not dissociate into ions. Therefore, a sugar solution does not conduct electricity because there are no free-moving charged particles.3. **Alcohol Solution**: Alcohols (e.g., ethanol) typically do not ionize in water and thus do not produce free ions in the solution. Consequently, alcohol solutions also do not conduct electricity.Given these points, only the salt solution would conduct electricity because it contains ions that are capable of carrying an electric current.