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:
The correct answer is: c) C₂H₆O (ethanol)
Explanation:
To determine which compound is a nonelectrolyte, we must first understand what electrolytes are:
- Electrolytes are substances that dissolve in water and dissociate into ions, allowing the solution to conduct electricity.
- Nonelectrolytes are substances that dissolve in water but do not produce ions, and therefore do not conduct electricity.
Now, let’s analyze each option:
a) NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide)
- Electrolyte Type: Strong electrolyte
- Reason: NaOH is a strong base that completely dissociates into Na⁺ and OH⁻ ions in water.
- Conclusion: Not a nonelectrolyte
b) HNO₃ (Nitric Acid)
- Electrolyte Type: Strong electrolyte
- Reason: HNO₃ is a strong acid that completely ionizes in water to form H⁺ and NO₃⁻.
- Conclusion: Not a nonelectrolyte
c) C₂H₆O (Ethanol)
- Electrolyte Type: Nonelectrolyte
- Reason: Ethanol dissolves in water but does not ionize or dissociate into ions. It remains as neutral ethanol molecules in solution. Although it has an -OH group, it is not a base and does not release OH⁻ ions.
- Conclusion: ✅ Correct answer — it is a nonelectrolyte
d) KF (Potassium Fluoride)
- Electrolyte Type: Strong electrolyte
- Reason: KF is an ionic compound that dissociates completely into K⁺ and F⁻ ions in water.
- Conclusion: Not a nonelectrolyte
e) CH₃COOH (Acetic Acid)
- Electrolyte Type: Weak electrolyte
- Reason: Acetic acid partially ionizes in water to form CH₃COO⁻ and H⁺. Because it forms some ions, it can conduct electricity, though weakly.
- Conclusion: Not a nonelectrolyte
Final Answer:
C₂H₆O (ethanol) is the nonelectrolyte because it dissolves in water without forming ions and therefore does not conduct electricity.