In a demonstration of strong electrolytes, weak electrolytes, and nonelectrolytes, Professor Popsnorkle used a lightbulb apparatus that showed how much a solution conducted electricity by the brightness of the lightbulb. When pure water was tested, the bulb did not light. Then Professor Popsnorkle tested the following aqueous solutions. Which one caused the bulb to burn dimly but not brightly?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is a weak electrolyte, meaning it partially dissociates into ions in solution. This partial dissociation allows for some conductivity and causes the lightbulb to burn dimly. Strong electrolytes, like table salt (NaCl), fully dissociate into ions and cause the lightbulb to burn brightly. Nonelectrolytes, like table sugar (C12H22O11) and ethanol (C2H5OH), do not dissociate into ions and do not conduct electricity, so the lightbulb does not light up at all. Methanol (CH3OH) is a type of alcohol, similar to ethanol, and is also a nonelectrolyte.

In a Demonstration of Strong Electrolytes, Weak Electrolytes, and Nonelectrolytes