Question

Compound A is an electrolyte because it dissociates in water, while Compound B is a nonelectrolyte as it does not dissociate in water.

Which of the following compounds is likely to be Compound A, an electrolyte?
a) Glucose
b) Sodium chloride (NaCl)
c) Ethanol
d) Carbon dioxide (CO_2)

Answer 1

Compound B is likely to be glucose, a nonelectrolyte.

Step-by-step explanation:

An electrolyte is a compound that conducts an electric current when it is in an aqueous solution or melted. Ionic compounds are strong electrolytes because they dissociate into ions when they dissolve. For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-) when it dissolves in water. On the other hand, nonelectrolytes do not conduct electricity when they dissolve in water because they do not dissociate into ions. Glucose and ethanol are examples of nonelectrolytes as they dissolve in water without producing ions. Therefore, compound B is likely to be glucose.