State whether each of the following statements is true or false. Justify your answer in each case. (b) If you add a nonelectrolyte to an aqueous solution that already contains an electrolyte, the electrical conductivity will not change.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of electrolytes and nonelectrolytes: Electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions in solution, allowing the solution to conduct electricity. Nonelectrolytes do not dissociate into ions and therefore do not contribute to electrical conductivity.
2. Consider the effect of adding a nonelectrolyte to a solution: When a nonelectrolyte is added to a solution, it does not produce ions. Therefore, it does not increase the number of charge carriers in the solution.
3. Analyze the impact on electrical conductivity: Since the nonelectrolyte does not increase the number of ions, it does not enhance the solution's ability to conduct electricity. The existing ions from the electrolyte remain the only contributors to conductivity.
4. Evaluate the statement: The statement claims that adding a nonelectrolyte to a solution with an electrolyte will not change the electrical conductivity. Based on the analysis, this is true because the nonelectrolyte does not affect the ion concentration.
5. Justify the conclusion: The electrical conductivity of a solution depends on the presence of ions. Since nonelectrolytes do not provide additional ions, the conductivity remains unchanged when they are added to a solution already containing an electrolyte.

Key Concepts

Electrolytes and Nonelectrolytes

Electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity. Nonelectrolytes, on the other hand, do not dissociate into ions and therefore do not contribute to electrical conductivity. Understanding the difference between these two types of substances is crucial for analyzing their effects on conductivity in a solution.

Electrical Conductivity

Electrical conductivity is a measure of a solution's ability to conduct electric current, which depends on the concentration and mobility of ions present in the solution. When electrolytes are dissolved in water, they increase the number of free ions, enhancing conductivity. The addition of a nonelectrolyte does not introduce any new ions, which is key to understanding how conductivity is affected.

Concentration and Ion Contribution

The overall conductivity of a solution is influenced by the concentration of ions present. When a nonelectrolyte is added to a solution containing an electrolyte, it does not change the number of ions, thus maintaining the same level of conductivity. This concept is essential for justifying whether the statement about conductivity changes is true or false.