Download Conductivity as an Indicator of Bond Type

Name: _____________________________ Block: ____ Date: ___________________________
CONDUCTIVITY AS INDICATOR OF BOND TYPE ACTIVITY
Directions:
1) The bench with the set-up for this activity contains a cell well plate. Please refer to
the chart at the bench that describes the contents of each cell. CAUTION: Some
people are allergic to sulfur. There is no need to touch it directly with your hands.
2) Place the conductivity tester in each well to determine if the material is an electrolyte
(conducts electricity). Depending on the type of tester being used, you will either
hear a beep or see a light turn on. MAKE SURE TO DIP THE TESTER IN THE
DISTILLED WATER AT THE BENCH BETWEEN EVERY TEST TO CLEAN THE
PROBES.
3) Record your results in the table below and interpret them to determine the type of
bonding.
Substance
Chalk
Graphite
Sugar
Sulfur
Sodium sulfate
Tin
Vinegar
Pure H2O
Tap Water
Conductivity
Conductivity in H2O
Type of Bonding
n/a
n/a
n/a
USEFUL INFORMATION:

Chalk is mostly CaCO3 and dissolves only slightly in water

Sulfur is a yellow molecular substance, arranged in S8 ring molecules

Sodium sulfate is white and dissolves in water

Tin is a metal

Graphite is a form of carbon. The atoms are bonded to each other in systematic sheets
with some free electrons holding the sheets together.

Distilled or deionized water can be considered pure H2O.

Tap water contains many dissolved impurities that are molecular and ionic.
EXTENSION:
Predict the conductivities of each of the materials listed below, and give reasons for your
predictions using data from the activity. How would the conductivity of each material be
affected if water were added to it? Please write your answers below the questions.
a. An iron nail
b. Liquid bromine, Br2
c. Wax (a random arrangement of molecules with long, nonpolar chains of carbon and
hydrogen atoms)
d. A dilute hydrochloric acid solution, HCl (aq)
e. Table salt, NaCl