CONDUCTIVITY, IONIZATION, AND DISSOCIATION

INTRODUCTION:
The electrical conductivity of a substance is a measure of its ability to transport an electric current. An
electric current consists of moving charged particles. Thus, the ability to conduct an electric current
depends on the presence of mobile, or "free," charged particles, either electrons or ions. In solids, only
loosely held electrons are free to move. An electric current in a solid (usually an active metal) consists of
a flow of electrons. In liquids, the presence of free ions (positive and negative charges) is necessary for
conductivity. When two electrodes, one positively charged and the other negatively charged, are
introduced into liquid containing free ions, the positive and negative ions will move in opposite directions
(toward oppositely charged electrodes). This movement of charged particles constitutes an electric
current through the liquid.
Free ions are produced as a result of dissociation or ionization. Dissociation describes the behavior
of ionic compounds. In the solid phase, ions are held rigidly in the crystal structure by ionic bonds.
Dissociation occurs when ionic solids (salts and bases) are dissolved in water or melted. In either case,
the bonds holding the ions in the crystal lattice are broken and the ions are free to move. Dissociation by
solution in water can be illustrated as follows:
H2 O
NaCI(s) → Na+ (aq) + CI-(aq)
H2 O
NaOH(s) → Na+ (aq) + OH-(aq)

Ionization describes the behavior of polar-molecular substances. These substances do not consist of
ions in their anhydrous (undissolved) state. Many acids fall into this category. When dissolved in water
(also a polar-molecular substance), these polar molecules ionize, or form ions, as illustrated in the
following equation:
HCl + H2O  H30+(aq) + Cl-(aq)
Most organic compounds (the compounds of carbon) do not conduct an electric current, either when
pure or when dissolved in water. This is because all organic compounds have molecular structures.
Except for certain compounds that have polar molecules, organic compounds do not dissolve in water.
Of those that do dissolve in water, only some are ionized in solution. Organic acids do ionize to varying
degrees in solution and, thus, conduct an electric current.

In this investigation, we will test the ability (or lack of ability) of various substances and solutions to
conduct an electric current. Among the substances tested will be the following organic compounds:
sugar, ethanol, and acetic acid.

PURPOSE
Compare the conductivities of pure substances and the solutions of those substances. Relate
experimental results to the tendencies of the substances to ionize or dissociate.

EQUIPMENT
beaker,50-mL beaker, l00-mL conductivity apparatus micro spatula
ring stand clamp safety goggles lab apron or coat

MATERIALS
sodium chloride (NaCl) glacial acetic acid (HC2H3O2) sugar, sucrose (CI2H22011)
6 M acetic acid copper strip (Cu) O.1M acetic acid
distilled water 6 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) tap water
0.1 M hydrochloric acid ethanol (C2H5OH) 0.1 M sodium hydroxide

Note: M is used for solutions to indicate its concentration. The higher the number, the more
concentrated the solution is.

SAFETY
PLEASE REFER TO YOUR SAFETY AGREEMENT AS WELL AS LISTEN TO YOUR TEACHER’S
DIRECTIONS.
Handle glacial acetic acid and the acid and base solutions with care. Avoid spills on skin or clothing.
Flush any spills with cool water and report them to your teacher. Exercise caution, as instructed by your
teacher, when working with the conductivity apparatus.

PROCEDURE
PART A: SOLIDS
1. In a well plate, place enough NaCI so that the electrodes of the apparatus do not touch the glass
bottom of the beaker during testing. Test the dry NaCl for conductivity. Record your observations in the
data table.
2. Repeat step 1 for sugar (CI2H22O11). After testing each sample clean and dry the electrodes and beaker.
3. Place the copper strip between the electrodes so that it is in contact with each electrode. Record your
observations. Repeat using the iron sample.

PART B: PURE LIQUIDS

4. Half fill a 100-mL beaker with distilled water and set it to one side. This will be used to clean the
electrodes of the conductivity apparatus.
5. Test the conductivity of the following liquids: distilled water, tap water, ethanol, and glacial acetic acid.
(Note: glacial acetic acid is pure acetic acid.) For each test, add a few drops of each liquid into separate wells.
After each test dip the electrodes in the beaker of distilled water set aside earlier. Wipe dry with a paper towel.
6. Rinse and dry the well plate.

PART C: SOLUTIONS
7. Place a few drops of the following solutions into separate wells: salt water, sugar water, 0.1 M NaOH, 6 M
HCl, 0.1 M HCl, 6M HC2H3O2 , and 0.1M HC2H3O2. After each test clean and dry the electrodes and beaker.

PART D: ADDITIONAL SOLUTIONS

7. If time permits, test solutions of various household items such as: ammonia, hand soap, milk, soda, juice…

DATA/OBSERVATIONS: See following page.

CONCLUSION:
1. What class of solids conducts electricity?

2. Explain why ionic compounds (salts and bases) in the solid phase do not conduct an electric current.
In the liquid state (molten) and in aqueous solution, these same compounds do conduct an electric
current.

3. Based on your experimental evidence, how do organic solids and liquids rate as electrical conductors?
Cite specific examples.

4. Explain the difference in conductivity of 6 M and 0.1 M HC1.

5. Explain the differences in conductivity of glacial acetic acid, 6 M acetic acid, and 0.1 M acetic acid.

6. Based on your evidence, how do organic solids and liquids rate as electrical conductors?

7. Follow previous guidelines for constructing your concluding paragraph.

DATA/OBSERVATIONS
CONDUCTIVITY
SAMPLE NONE POOR FAIR GOOD
PART A: SOLIDS
Salt
Sugar
Copper
Iron

PART B: PURE
LIQUIDS
Distilled Water
Tap Water
Ethanol
Glacial acetic acid

PART C: SOLUTIONS
Salt Water
Sugar Water
0.1M NaOH
0.1M HCl
6M HCl
0.1M HC2H3O2
6 M HC2H3O2

PART D: ADDITIONAL
SOLUTIONS