Properties Of Solutions Electrolytes And Non - Electrolytes

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Introduction

This lab introduces you to the properties of strong and weak electrolytes and non-electrolyte solutions. An electrolyte is a material that dissolves in water to give a solution that conducts an electric current. To carry this current, an electrolyte breaks up into its ions and the ions carry the current to complete the circuit.

Basically electrolytes will conduct, non-electrolyte won't.

A strong electrolyte produces a large number of ions giving high conductivity values.
Example: H₃PO₄-->3 H⁺ + PO₄^-3

A non- electrolyte does not break up into ions.
Example: CH₃OH_(l) --> CH₃OH_(aq)

Procedures

See lab

Tips

You don't need a lot of the solution, just enough to cover the probe

Questions

Separate the above solutions into ionic compounds, molecular compounds, and acids.
Why would you expect ionic cpds to conduct and molecular cpds to not conduct? (use chemical reactions)
Why do HCl and H₃PO₄ conduct more than HC₂H₃O₂?
Explain the difference in the conductivity values between the distilled and tap waters.