Impact of Sodium Chloride Concentrations on Electrical Conductivity

1036 Words3 Pages

Different Concentrations of Sodium Chloride Solutions and its Affect on Electrical Conductivity

Introduction
Electrical conductivity refers to a substances ability to carry moving electrons (conduct electricity). In order to do so, there must be a supply of delocalised electrons. While in a solid state, ionic substances can not conduct electricity as there are no delocalised electrons or free/mobile ions to act as charge carriers. In an aqueous ionic solution, the H2O molecules break apart the crystal lattice structure of the ionic substance into individual ions, surrounding each ion in a jacket of hydration. Below is the equation that describes the dissociation of NaCl when in H2O solvent.

Each dissociated ion can now act as a charge carrier, allowing the solution to conduct electricity. Substances that produce ions in solution are called electrolytes and the strength of the electrolyte depends on how well it can break apart into ions when dissolved in a solvent. Soluble ionic salts are labelled as strong electrolytes as they are able to completely dissociate from each other. …show more content…

When introduced into an ionic solution, positively charged ions will be electrostatically attracted to the anode and the negatively charged ions will be electrostatically attracted to the cathode. This act of moving ions means that charges are able to move from anode to the cathode and complete the circuit. These moving ions are essentially the same as moving electrons (electricity). This process of putting electrodes into a solution, using a direct electric current (D.C.), and separating chemicals based on their charge is known as electrolysis

This experiment was conducted to determine how the electrical conductivity of an aqueous solution of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) would be affected by the amount of dissolved NaCl in solution (concentration).

Open Document