Efficacies of Dissolved Substances on the Electrical Conductivity of Liquids

Abstract

This work studies the efficacies of dissolved substances on the electrical conduction in liquids to establish the causes of electrical conduction in liquids. The study aimed to identify the constituents of liquids and the factors that facilitate conduction in them. To achieve this aim, the electrolysis method was applied. The electrical conductivity (EC) meter was calibrated by following the manufacturer's instructions, using a standard solution of known electrical conductivity. Probes were thoroughly rinsed with distilled water and dried with kinwipes between tests. A 250ml beaker was rinsed with distilled water, and 100ml of distilled water was placed in the clean beaker. The electrodes were submerged completely into the water. The electric conductivity meter was activated, and allowed to stand for about a minute to stabilize. The conductivity reading in mS/cm was recorded as the reference conductivity value (at zero concentration). Next, 100ml of distilled water was placed in another 250ml clean glass beaker. 0.1g (100mg) of sodium chloride was dissolved in the distilled water, and the electrical conductivity was measured and recorded. This procedure was repeated for various concentrations of sodium chloride: 0.2g (200mg), 0.3g (300mg), 0.4g (400mg), 0.5g (500mg), 0.6g (600mg), and 0.7g (700mg). In each case, the electrical conductivity reading was noted. It was observed that liquids, including water, are poor conductors of electricity. However, when impurities such as salts are added, they can conduct electricity much more effectively. Ultimately, it was noted that when sodium chloride was dissolved in distilled water, the solution became a conductor of electricity, with higher salt concentrations resulting in higher electrical conductivity.