Which of the following is a nonelectrolyte? Please state why or why not for each. Thanks
a) NaOH
b) HNO3
c) C2H6O (ethanol)
d) KF
e) CH3COOH (acetic acid)
The correct answer and explanation is :
Let’s evaluate each of the given compounds to determine whether they are electrolytes or nonelectrolytes:
a) NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide)
Electrolyte. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base and a strong electrolyte. When NaOH dissolves in water, it dissociates completely into sodium ions (Na⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). This complete dissociation makes NaOH a strong electrolyte that conducts electricity well in aqueous solutions.
b) HNO3 (Nitric Acid)
Electrolyte. Nitric acid is a strong acid, and like other strong acids, it dissociates completely in water. It breaks into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) when dissolved. Since it dissociates fully in aqueous solutions, HNO3 is a strong electrolyte.
c) C2H6O (Ethanol)
Nonelectrolyte. Ethanol is an organic compound that does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. Instead, it remains as neutral molecules in solution. Since ethanol does not produce ions in solution, it does not conduct electricity and is classified as a nonelectrolyte.
d) KF (Potassium Fluoride)
Electrolyte. Potassium fluoride is a salt composed of potassium ions (K⁺) and fluoride ions (F⁻). When KF dissolves in water, it dissociates completely into these ions, making it a strong electrolyte that can conduct electricity.
e) CH3COOH (Acetic Acid)
Electrolyte (weak electrolyte). Acetic acid is a weak acid. When it dissolves in water, it does not completely dissociate. Instead, it partially ionizes to form hydrogen ions (H⁺) and acetate ions (CH₃COO⁻). Since it only partially dissociates, acetic acid is classified as a weak electrolyte, and it conducts electricity to a lesser extent than strong electrolytes.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is c) C2H6O (ethanol), which is a nonelectrolyte because it does not dissociate into ions in solution. The other compounds (NaOH, HNO3, KF, and CH3COOH) are electrolytes, with NaOH and HNO3 being strong electrolytes, and CH3COOH being a weak electrolyte.