Electrical Conductivity Essay

ELECTICAL CONDUCTIVITY

Zeta Bernard

GS180 Chemistry 1

March 25, 2014

Introduction

The purpose of this research was to observed and report the findings of the Electrical Conductivity of compounds. According, to several reports and research, compounds such as metals are good conductors of electricity. Therefore, the following experiment will discuss the overall fundamentals of specific electrical conductivity of metals, ionic compounds, electrolytes, non-electrolytes and molecular compounds.

Electrical conductivity is the ability of a material, which has the capability to carry an electrical current. Metal, are known as cations and carries two positive electrons in its outer valance, thus contributes to its conductivity and the continuous flow of energy. Ionic compounds are usually formed by a bond with the metal groups and carries a negative charge; can also consist of polyatomic ions. Positive cations and negative ions remain bonded together by their electrical charges.

Crystals with ionic properties, such as sodium chloride completely dissociates in water. Thus, ionic compound form crystal, they have a high melting point and known to dissolve evenly in aqueous solutions. Water molecules have conduction properties, which makes the dissociation process conducive. Consequently, this physical states will contribute to the ionic compounds to conduct electricity. ( Ian Guch and Cavalcade Publishing, 1998-2009)

Next, electrolytes are ions when in its molten stage in an aqueous solution carry a negative or positive charge. For that reason, electrolytes that dissolve completely in water are call strong electrolytes and electrolytes that partially dissolve in water are call weak electrolytes. In contrast, non-electrolytes refers to ...

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...im. Distilled water is a non-conductor of electrolytes, this is due to its purification that removes all the minerals from it. Similarly, sugar and distilled water is a non-conductor of electrolytes, as it is a covalent bond and does not carry a charge.

Reference

Ian Guch and Cavalcade Publishing. (1998-2009). What are ionic compounds. (Ian Guch and Cavalcade Publishing) Retrieved 03 19, 2014, from Important things to know about ionic compounds: http://misterguch.brinkster.net/ionic.html

Decoste, Z. (2009). Introductory Chemistry A foundation. In S. S. Dcoste, 7th edition (pp. 167, 168, 169, 170). Massachusetts: Charles Hartford.

Senese, F. (2010, 02 15). What properties distinguish molecular compounds from other materials. Retrieved from General Chemistry: http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/solids/faq/properties-of-molecular-compounds.shtml