Conductivity of Aqueous Solutions

Introduction

In this experiment, you will investigate some properties of strong electrolytes, weak electrolytes, and nonelectrolytes by observing the behavior of these substances in aqueous solution. You will investigate these properties using a Conductivity Probe. When the probe is placed in a solution that contains ions, and thus has the ability to conduct electricity, an electrical circuit is completed across the electrodes that are located on either side of the hole near the bottom of the probe body, and this produces a conductivity reading. The unit of conductivity used in this experiment is the microsiemens per centimeter, or µS/cm.

Objectives

In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Conductivity Probe and data- collection software. You will first measure the conductivity of distilled water, and then, after adding NaCl solid to the distilled water, you will measure the conductivity of the resulting NaCl solution.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about electrolytes and the electrical properties of aqueous solutions before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with the conductivity of aqueous solutions.