Chapter U1.25, Problem 6E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Given substances needs to be sorted into categories of solubility and conductivity.

Concept introduction:

Most of the substances around us can be grouped into different categories based on two properties:

1. Solubility - Solubility is a general property by which one can sort substances into two categories: soluble and insoluble.
2. Conductivity of electricity - Conductivity is a general property by which one can sort substances into two categories: conductors and non - conductors.

Answer to Problem 6E

The following table categorizes the given substances:

Chemical formula	Name of substance	Dissolves in water	Conducts electricity on its own/ conducts when dissolves
C3H6O (l)	Acetone	Dissolves	Does not conduct electricity even on dissolving
Ti(s)	Titanium	Does not dissolve	Conducts on its own
LiNO3(s)	Lithium nitrate	Dissolves	Conductsonly when dissolves
CuZn(s)	Bronze	Does not dissolve	Conducts on its own

Explanation of Solution

Two major properties of substances based on which they can be sorted into various categories are solubility and conductivity.

Therefore, there are four categories of substances:

1. Those which dissolves and conducts.
2. Those which do not dissolve and conducts.
3. Those which dissolves and do not conduct.
4. Those which do not dissolve and do not conduct.

1. C₃H₆O (l)- Acetone is made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. It is soluble in water but cannot dissociate into ions. So it cannot conduct electricity on its own as well as on dissolving.
2. Ti(s)- Titanium is a metal so it can conduct electricity in solid state. However it cannot dissolve in water.
3. LiNO₃(s)- Lithium nitrate is an ionic compound. It has a metallic part (lithium) and a nonmetallic part (nitrogen and oxygen). It cannot conduct electricity in its solid state but when dissolved in water it can conduct electricity as it can form ions in water.
4. CuZn(s)- Bronze is an alloy made of two metals copper and zinc. It can conduct electricity in solid state. However it cannot dissolve in water.

Conclusion

Metals can conduct electricity but are insoluble in water. Their compounds with non-metals can conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Nonmetals are insoluble in water and do not conduct electricity.