Ions are electrically charged particles that are formed when certain compounds are dissolved in water. These solutions will conduct electricity. The Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius coined the term ion (which means wanderer) to explain why solutions of electrolytes will conduct an electric current. When an electrolyte forms into a solution, it dissolves or dissociates into ions, a process called ionization. If a substance does not ionize, it will not conduct an electric current. Electrolytes include most acids, bases, and salts. Some conductors include hydrogen and sodium chloride, copper sulfate, and potassium nitrate. Substances that are not electrolytes include distilled water, sugar water, and most organic compounds. Which of the following is a nonelectrolyte?
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To determine which of the given options is a nonelectrolyte, we need to understand what a nonelectrolyte is. A nonelectrolyte is a substance that does not ionize or dissociate into ions in solution and therefore does not conduct electricity.
Let's go through each of the options and identify whether they are electrolytes or nonelectrolytes:
1. Hydrogen chloride (HCl): Hydrogen chloride is an acid, and most acids are electrolytes. They dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. Therefore, hydrogen chloride is an electrolyte.
2. Ethanol (C2H5OH): Ethanol is an organic compound and most organic compounds do not dissociate into ions in water. Therefore, ethanol is a nonelectrolyte.
3. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): Sodium hydroxide is a base, and like most bases, it dissociates into ions in water. Therefore, sodium hydroxide is an electrolyte.
4. Ammonia (NH3): Ammonia is a weak base, and although it does undergo a partial ionization, it is not a strong electrolyte. Therefore, ammonia is considered a weak electrolyte rather than a nonelectrolyte.
Based on this analysis, the nonelectrolyte in the given options is ethanol (C2H5OH).