Properties of Solutions- Electrical Conductivity of Liquids and Solutions

Electrical Conductivity of Liquids and Solutions

Description: The conductivity of water, solutions of acids and bases (strong and weak), salts, and nonconducting liquids are compared.

This demonstration is also available on video and JCE Chemistry Comes Alive! CD-Rom.

Source: UW Card Catalog

Year: 1999  Volume: 76  Page: 1311

Keywords: Liquids, Conductivity, Ions, Charge carriers,  Circuit

Rating: 

Hazard: Medium

  • Electrocution hazard
  • Spill hazard
  • Acute toxicity hazard
  • Skin corrosion hazard
  • Inhalation  hazard
  • Eye irritation hazard
  • Corrosive to metals
  • Flammable liquids

Effectiveness: Good

  • Results are clearly observable
  • Good connection from demo to course material
  • Low failure rate
  • Time to results is medium
  • Contrast between systems’ behavior is obvious

Difficulty: Medium

  • Procedures with some intermediate steps
  • Cross contamination possible
  • Use of live voltage
  • Prior training recommended
  • Careful manipulations are required

Safety Precautions:

  • Gloves required
  • UL approved three-prong plug and outlet required
  • Eye protection required
  • Insulated conductor required
  • Absorbent material on hand

 

Class: Properties of Solutions, Equilibrium, Types of Chemical Reactions

Division: General, Physical Chemistry

The demonstration “Electrical Conductivity of Liquids and Solutions” may be found under Types of Chemical Reactions- Electrical Conductivity of Liquids and Solutions.