Question

Which aqueous solution is expected to be the least conducting of electricity?

(A) alcohol, C₂H₆O in, say, vodka (about 40% alcohol content)

(B) common salt solution, NaCl (aq)

(C) household vinegar, HC₂H₃O

(D) sulfuric acid, H₂SO₄, used in a lead-acid battery in a car

(E) soda water (or club soda) with added minerals

Answer 1

Ans: (A) Alcohol, C₂H₆O in, say, vodka (about 40% alcohol content)

Since alcohol does not produce any ions its aqueous solution has least electrical conductivity.

The electrical conduction in solutions is due to the presence of dissolved ions.

NaCl produces Na⁺ and Cl^- ions.

Vinegar is acetic acid, which produces CH₃COO^- and H⁺ ions (partial hydrolysis).

Sulfuric acid produces H⁺ and HSO₄^- ions in solution

Soda water has carbonic acid, H2CO3. It hydrolyzes into H⁺ and HCO₃^- ions.