4. The electrical conductivity of deionized water is commonly used as an index of its purity. Explain.
Quite pure water forms only a few ions.
H2O ==> H^+ + OH^-.
(H^+) = (OH^-) = 1 x 10^-7 M which isn;t much. The higher the electrical conductivity the more ions in the water and the less pure it is.
Deionized water is a type of water that has had its impurities, including salts and minerals, removed through a process called ion exchange or distillation. The electrical conductivity of water refers to its ability to conduct an electric current.
When water contains impurities, such as dissolved salts or minerals, it forms ions (charged particles) in the water. These ions allow the passage of electric current through the water, making it conductive. The concentration of the ions in water is directly related to its electrical conductivity.
However, when deionized water is pure and free from ions, it becomes a poor conductor of electricity. This is because there are no charged particles present in the water to carry the electric current. Therefore, the electrical conductivity of deionized water is typically very low or negligible.
By measuring the electrical conductivity of deionized water, one can determine its purity level. If the water has a high electrical conductivity, it indicates the presence of impurities. Conversely, a low or negligible electrical conductivity suggests a higher level of purity, as it means the water is free from ions and impurities commonly found in tap water or other sources.
The electrical conductivity of deionized water is commonly used as an index of its purity because it is a measure of how well water can conduct electricity. The purer the water, the lower its electrical conductivity.
When water is in its purest form, it consists of only H2O molecules, which are electrically neutral. However, in most cases, water contains various dissolved impurities such as salts, minerals, and other charged particles. These impurities can break down into ions (charged particles) when mixed with water.
In a solution, ions in the water can carry electrical charge and enable the flow of electric current. This is why tap water or seawater, which contains a high concentration of ions, conducts electricity relatively well.
On the other hand, deionized water has been processed to remove these impurities and has a very low concentration of ions. Due to the lack of charged particles, deionized water has low electrical conductivity, making it a good conductor of electric currents.
By measuring the electrical conductivity of deionized water, we can quantify the amount of impurities present. The higher the electrical conductivity, the more impurities are present in the water, indicating a lower level of purity. Conversely, a lower electrical conductivity suggests a higher level of purity, as there are fewer charged particles present.
To measure the electrical conductivity of deionized water, specialized equipment called a conductivity meter or conductivity probe is used. The meter measures the ability of the water sample to conduct an electric current and provides a numerical value representing its conductivity.
Therefore, by monitoring the electrical conductivity of deionized water, we can assess its purity and ensure it meets the required standards for various applications such as laboratory experiments, industrial processes, or medical procedures.