Electrical Conductivity of Molten Salts
Description: A mixture of potassium and sodium chloride melts over a Meker burner. The light bulb conductivity tester can be used to show that solid does not conduct, but liquid does. The particles (ions) must therefore be charged.
This demonstration is available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!” CD-Rom.
Source: UW Card Catalog
Year: 1999 Volume: 76 Page: 1311
Keywords: Salt, Conductivity, Molten, Ions
Rating: 
Hazard: High
- Flammability hazard
- Electrocution hazard
- Burn hazard
Effectiveness: Good
- Observable without guidance
- Moderate reliability
- Time to results is high
- Systems contrast is clear
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Challenges preconceived notions
- Good connection from demo to course material
Difficulty: Medium
- Use of spatula has potential for electrocution
- Simple procedures
- Demos at non-standard conditions
- Prior training required
- Simple manipulations for most to perform
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Thermal gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Electrically insulated spatula required
- Perform on heat resistant surface
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
Class: Physical Properties, Atomic Structure, Conductivity
Division: General, Physical Chemistry
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