which are electrolytes: ethanol, benzene, CuSO4
A CuSO4 SOLUTION is an electrolyte.
Ethanol and benzene do not ionize; therefore, they are not electrolytes.
To determine which substances are electrolytes, we need to understand what an electrolyte is. An electrolyte is a substance that, when dissolved in a solution or melted, can conduct electricity by allowing the flow of electrical charges. Electrolytes are typically composed of ions that can move freely in a solution.
In this case, we are given three substances: ethanol, benzene, and CuSO4.
Let's start with ethanol. Ethanol, with the molecular formula C2H5OH, is a covalent compound. When ethanol dissolves in water, it does not dissociate or form ions. As a result, it does not conduct electricity in solution. Therefore, ethanol is not an electrolyte.
Next, let's consider benzene. Benzene, with the molecular formula C6H6, is also a covalent compound. Like ethanol, benzene does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. Consequently, it does not conduct electricity in solution and is not an electrolyte.
Finally, we have CuSO4, which stands for copper(II) sulfate. Copper(II) sulfate is an ionic compound composed of positively charged copper ions (Cu2+) and negatively charged sulfate ions (SO4^2-). When dissolved in water, the ionic compound dissociates into its constituent ions, allowing the formation of a copper sulfate solution. Since the solution contains charged particles (ions), it can conduct electricity. Therefore, CuSO4 is an electrolyte.
In summary, ethanol and benzene are not electrolytes because they do not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. However, CuSO4 is an electrolyte since it dissociates into ions and allows the flow of electrical charges in a solution.