Electrical ConductivityPure water does not conduct electricity.

But then why are we often warned about the danger of electrocution when using

electrical appliances near water?

Electrical ConductivityIt’s because water itself does not conduct

electricity, instead it is substances dissolved in the water.

Some substances can allow an electric current to flow through a solution (when they are dissolved

in water or another solvent). These substances are called electrolytes.

One example of an electrolyte is table salt.

ElectrolytesWater in oceans, rivers and lakes contain electrolytes in

varying concentrations. This difference in concentration is among the characteristics that distinguish the fresh water

of rivers from the salt water of the sea. Many living organisms need the electrolytes in water to survive.

Types of Electrolytes

- Acids- Bases- Salts

AcidsExamples of Acids are: fruit juice, soft

drinks, and the gastric juices secreted by the stomach. We can identify acids by

their sour taste.

BasesBases are found in many cleaning products and in some heart-burn medication. Blood and salt water are also slightly basic. Basic

solutions have a bitter taste.

SaltsThe best known salt is table salt. Most salts

are made up of a metal and one or more nonmetals.

PH LevelOne property that distinguishes acidic,basic

and neutral solutions is their pH. The pH sclaes ranges from 0 to 14.

If the pH is <7 (less than 7) the solution is acidic.If the pH = 7, the solution is neutral.

If the pH is > 7 (greater than 7) the solution is basic.

State whether the following are acids, bases or salts:

a) NaOH : b) H2SO4

c) NH4OH

d) NaCl e) HCl

f) MgOH g) AgNO h) NaBr

i) pH of 6.9 j) pH of 12 k) pH of 3.4 l) pH of 7.1

m) pH of 13.9 n) pH of 7

o) pH of 4.4 p) pH of 6