Chemistry 122 d

Question

Briefly explain why an aqueous solution of calcium chloride would be considered an electrolyte but and aqueous solution of glucose (C6H12O6) would not. How would they behave differently in an electrical circuit as described in class?

Answer 1

Good morning Chloe! I hope I am able to help in your academic endeavors!

To help answer your question we need to establish the intermolecular forces at play when you dissolve either substance in water. For a molecule like glucose, it is still capable of dissolving in water; however, there is no charge produced by the Hydrogen bonds established by water and the polar hydroxide functional groups on the glucose molecule.

Calcium chloride readily dissolves in water and will chemically separate from one another to create ions. This occurs because the covalent bonds of water are much stronger than the ionic bonds in calcium chloride. These ions will hold a charge depending on what ion you are looking at (Ca will hold a 2+ charge while Cl will hold a 1- charge). The charges on these ions are what makes it possible for them to conduct electricity. I know my answer was a bit simplistic but I hope it helps!