What would happen with non-electrolytes?
2 marks · NormalA student wants to know whether glucose (C6H12O6) is an electrolyte, an ionic compound, or a covalent compound. They attempt to pass an electric current through both solid glucose and glucose dissolved in water, but the bulb does not light up in either case.
State what type of substance glucose is and give a reason based on the results of the experiment.
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Glucose is a non-electrolyte (covalent compound); it does not conduct electricity in solid form or solution because it does not form ions.
Also accept: Glucose is a covalent compound and does not conduct electricity because it does not form ions.; Glucose is a non-electrolyte because it does not conduct electricity in water or molten form.
Common mistakes: Saying glucose is ionic; Saying glucose will conduct electricity
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Identifies glucose as a non-electrolyte or covalent compound.
B2 · 1 mark · Gives correct reason: does not conduct electricity in solid or solution as it does not form ions.
Worked solution
Glucose is a non-electrolyte (covalent compound). This is because it does not conduct electricity in either solid state or solution, so no ions are present to carry the current.