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 (300+ words):
To determine which of the substances listed is a nonelectrolyte, we must first understand what an electrolyte is. Electrolytes are substances that dissolve in water to produce a solution that conducts electricity. This conductivity occurs because the substance dissociates into ions in aqueous solution. Electrolytes can be classified as:
- Strong electrolytes (completely dissociate into ions)
- Weak electrolytes (partially dissociate into ions)
- Nonelectrolytes (do not dissociate into ions at all)
Now, let’s analyze each option:
a) NaOH (sodium hydroxide)
- Electrolyte Type: Strong electrolyte
- Why: NaOH is a strong base that completely dissociates into Na⁺ and OH⁻ ions in water. These free ions conduct electricity well.
- Conclusion: Not a nonelectrolyte
b) HNO₃ (nitric acid)
- Electrolyte Type: Strong electrolyte
- Why: HNO₃ is a strong acid that completely ionizes in water to form H⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions. It contributes to high conductivity in solution.
- Conclusion: Not a nonelectrolyte
c) C₂H₆O (ethanol)
- Electrolyte Type: Nonelectrolyte
- Why: Ethanol is an organic molecule that dissolves in water but does not ionize. It remains as whole C₂H₆O molecules in solution and does not produce ions. Without ion production, it cannot conduct electricity, making it a nonelectrolyte.
- Conclusion: Correct answer
d) KF (potassium fluoride)
- Electrolyte Type: Strong electrolyte
- Why: KF is an ionic compound that dissociates completely into K⁺ and F⁻ ions in water. These ions allow the solution to conduct electricity.
- Conclusion: Not a nonelectrolyte
e) CH₃COOH (acetic acid)
- Electrolyte Type: Weak electrolyte
- Why: Acetic acid partially ionizes in water into CH₃COO⁻ and H⁺. Although not completely dissociating, the presence of some ions makes it a weak electrolyte.
- Conclusion: Not a nonelectrolyte
Final Answer: c) C₂H₆O (ethanol)
It is the only one among the choices that dissolves in water without producing ions, making it a nonelectrolyte.