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 of the substances is a nonelectrolyte, we must understand what electrolytes are. Electrolytes are substances that dissolve in water and dissociate into ions, thereby conducting electricity. Nonelectrolytes, in contrast, dissolve in water but do not form ions — they remain as intact molecules and do not conduct electricity.
Let’s evaluate each option:
a) NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide)
Electrolyte – NaOH is a strong base that completely dissociates into Na⁺ and OH⁻ ions in water. This ionization allows it to conduct electricity very well.
Not a nonelectrolyte.
b) HNO₃ (Nitric Acid)
Electrolyte – HNO₃ is a strong acid that completely ionizes in water to form H⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions. It conducts electricity efficiently.
Not a nonelectrolyte.
c) C₂H₆O (Ethanol)
Nonelectrolyte – Ethanol dissolves in water due to hydrogen bonding but does not ionize or break into ions in solution. It remains as neutral C₂H₆O molecules. Thus, it does not conduct electricity, making it a nonelectrolyte.
✅ Correct answer.
d) KF (Potassium Fluoride)
Electrolyte – KF is an ionic compound that dissociates completely into K⁺ and F⁻ ions when dissolved in water. It conducts electricity.
Not a nonelectrolyte.
e) CH₃COOH (Acetic Acid)
Weak electrolyte – Acetic acid partially ionizes in water into CH₃COO⁻ and H⁺ ions. Though not a strong conductor, it still produces ions, classifying it as a weak electrolyte, not a nonelectrolyte.
Not a nonelectrolyte.
Summary:
Only ethanol (C₂H₆O) is a nonelectrolyte because it dissolves in water without forming ions. All others either fully or partially ionize in water and are classified as electrolytes.
