Why does impure water conduct electricity?
Introduction:
Impure water contains dissolved ions and impurities that can conduct electricity. The conductivity of water depends on the concentration and mobility of these charged particles. In this response, we will explore why impure water conducts electricity in detail.
Impurities in water:
Impure water contains various impurities, such as dissolved salts, minerals, and other substances. These impurities are typically in the form of ions, which are electrically charged particles. Common ions found in impure water include sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca2+), and sulfate (SO42-), among others.
Conductivity of water:
Ionic dissociation:
When an ionic compound dissolves in water, it dissociates into its constituent ions. For example, when table salt (NaCl) is dissolved in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-). This process is known as ionic dissociation.
Electrolytes:
Water containing dissolved ions is known as an electrolyte. Electrolytes can conduct electricity because they contain charged particles that can move freely within the solution.
Mobility of ions:
The conductivity of water depends on the mobility of the dissolved ions. Ions in water are surrounded by a hydration shell, which reduces their mobility. However, some ions have higher mobility than others due to their size and charge. Smaller and highly charged ions tend to have greater mobility.
Ion movement and electrical conduction:
When an electric field is applied to impure water, the dissolved ions experience a force and start moving towards oppositely charged electrodes. This movement of ions constitutes an electric current. The greater the concentration and mobility of ions in water, the higher its conductivity.
Conclusion:
Impure water conducts electricity due to the presence of dissolved ions and impurities. These charged particles, resulting from the dissociation of ionic compounds, allow the flow of electric current through the water. The mobility of ions and their ability to move in response to an electric field contribute to the conductivity of impure water. Understanding the conductivity of impure water is crucial for various applications, such as water quality assessment and the design of electrical systems involving water.
Why does impure water conduct electricity?
Coz impure water contains some ions like Ca, I Cl, Na etc while some of them conducts electricity. and some of them helps to flow electron freely.
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