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 (Approx. 300+ words):
To determine which substance is a nonelectrolyte, we must understand what this term means. A nonelectrolyte is a substance that does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. As a result, nonelectrolytes do not conduct electricity in aqueous solution. In contrast, electrolytes (strong or weak) dissociate into ions and can conduct electricity.
Let’s evaluate each option:
a) NaOH (sodium hydroxide):
This is a strong base. When dissolved in water, it completely dissociates into Na⁺ and OH⁻ ions:
NaOH → Na⁺ + OH⁻
Because it produces free ions, NaOH is a strong electrolyte and conducts electricity well in solution.
❌ Not a nonelectrolyte
b) HNO₃ (nitric acid):
This is a strong acid. It completely ionizes in water into H⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions:
HNO₃ → H⁺ + NO₃⁻
As it yields ions, HNO₃ is a strong electrolyte.
❌ Not a nonelectrolyte
c) C₂H₆O (ethanol):
Ethanol is an organic compound and an alcohol. Although it dissolves in water (due to hydrogen bonding), it does not dissociate into ions. Its molecular structure remains intact in solution.
Because it doesn’t produce ions, ethanol is a nonelectrolyte—it does not conduct electricity in water.
✅ Correct Answer
d) KF (potassium fluoride):
This is an ionic compound that completely dissociates in water into K⁺ and F⁻ ions:
KF → K⁺ + F⁻
Thus, it is a strong electrolyte.
❌ Not a nonelectrolyte
e) CH₃COOH (acetic acid):
This is a weak acid, meaning it partially dissociates in water into CH₃COO⁻ and H⁺:
CH₃COOH ⇌ CH₃COO⁻ + H⁺
While not fully ionized, it does produce some ions, so it is a weak electrolyte.
❌ Not a nonelectrolyte
Summary:
Only C₂H₆O (ethanol) does not ionize in water and is therefore the only nonelectrolyte among the options provided.