What would happen with non-electrolytes?
4 marks · NormalTwo students investigate the ability of different substances to conduct electricity using the apparatus below.
Complete the table below by identifying whether each substance is likely to conduct electricity or not in the form stated.
| Substance | State | Will it conduct electricity? (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium chloride | Molten | |
| Sucrose (C12H22O11) | Aqueous solution |
Explain why one of these substances does not conduct electricity in the given state.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
(a) Sodium chloride, molten: Yes. Sucrose (C12H22O11), aqueous solution: No.
(b) Sucrose is a covalent compound and does not form ions in solution, so it cannot conduct electricity.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly identifies NaCl (molten) will conduct electricity (Yes).
B2 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly identifies sucrose (aq) will not conduct electricity (No).
B3 (b) · 2 marks · Explanation for non-conduction: Sucrose is covalent/does not form ions in solution, so cannot carry charge.
Worked solution
| Substance | State | Will it conduct electricity? (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium chloride | Molten | Yes |
| Sucrose (C12H22O11) | Aqueous solution | No |
Sucrose does not conduct because it is a covalent compound and does not form ions in solution. Since only ions can carry charge in solution, sucrose cannot conduct electricity.