Textbook Question
Classify each of the following substances as a nonelectrolyte, weak electrolyte, or strong electrolyte in water: a. H2SO3
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Electrolytes
Multiple Choice
Which of the following substances is classified as an electrolyte?
A
NaCl (sodium chloride) dissolved in water
B
C_6H_{12}O_6 (glucose) dissolved in water
C
CH_3OH (methanol) dissolved in water
D
CCl_4 (carbon tetrachloride) in liquid form
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the definition of an electrolyte: an electrolyte is a substance that, when dissolved in water, dissociates into ions and thus conducts electricity.
Examine each substance's behavior in water: determine whether it dissociates into ions or remains as neutral molecules.
For NaCl (sodium chloride), recognize that it is an ionic compound that dissociates completely into Na\^{+} and Cl\^{-} ions in water, making it a strong electrolyte.
For C_6H_{12}O_6 (glucose) and CH_3OH (methanol), note that these are molecular compounds that dissolve in water but do not dissociate into ions; they remain as neutral molecules and thus are nonelectrolytes or very weak electrolytes.
For CCl_4 (carbon tetrachloride), understand that it is a nonpolar molecular liquid that does not dissolve well in water and does not produce ions, so it is not an electrolyte.
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