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.

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.