Activity 2.8 Class 10 Science

The activity has been taken from the chapter 2 Acids, Bases and Salts class 10 science. We will discuss electrical conductivity of acids, bases and other organic compounds.

Electrical Conductivity of Acids, Bases and Organic Compounds

Aim of the activity

To test whether different solutions (acids, bases or organic compounds) conduct electricity.

Materials used in the activity

1.  Glucose solutions

2.  Alcohol

3.  Dilute hydrochloric acid

4.  Dilute sulphuric acid

5.  100mL Beaker

6.  Test tubes

7.  Two nails

8.  Bulb

9.  Switch

10.   Wires

Procedure

(i) We will take a 100 mL beaker and place a cork in it and fix two nails on it. We connect the nails to the two terminals of a  6 volt battery through a bulb and a switch.

Now we pour some amount of dilute `HCl` in the beaker and switch on the current in it and observe the bulb.

Now we will perform same activity with dilute sulphuric acid and observe the bulb.

We will repeat the same experiment separately with glucose and alcohol and observe the bulb.

Observation

(i)     With `HCl` and `H_2SO_4` – The bulb glows and show that these solutions conduct electricity.

(ii)     With glucose and alcohol – The bulb does not glow that show these solutions do not conduct electricity.

Explanation

Acids (`HCl` and `H_2SO_4`) get ionized in water to form cations and anions. `HCl` ionize into `H^+` and `Cl^-` and `H_2SO_4` ionise into `H^+` and `SO_4^(2-)` ions. These free ions are responsible for conduction of electricity.

`HCl →H^+ + Cl^-`

`H_2SO_4 →2H^+ + SO_4^(2-)`

On the other hand , glucose and alcohol do not produce free ions in water  so they do not conduct electricity.

Conclusion

Acids conduct electricity because they free ions (H+)  in water but glucose and alcohol do not conduct electricity because they do not ionize in water.  The electric current is carried through the solution by ions is proved through this activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.   Why do acids conduct electricity?

Answer-All acids get ionized in water and release free cations and anions in water.

2.  Would sodium chloride solution conduct electricity?

Answer-Sodium chloride is an ionic compound. When it is added to water, it dissociates into `Na^+` and `Cl^+` ions. These ions conduct electricity.

3.  Does distilled water conduct electricity?

Answer-No , distilled water does not conduct electricity because it has few ions.

4.  Can all bases (alkali) conduct electricity?

Answer- Yes, all basic solutions conduct electricity because they also release ions in water.

5.  What is the chemical formula of alcohol?

   General formula – `C_nH_(2n-1)OH`

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