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Chapter 17: Problem 118

A solution of methyl alcohol in water does not conduct electricity. Why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A solution of methyl alcohol in water does not conduct electricity because methyl alcohol (CH3OH) is a non-electrolyte. It does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, resulting in a lack of free-moving charged particles needed for electrical conductivity.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Electrical Conductivity

Electrical Conductivity is the measure of a solution's ability to conduct electricity. It depends on the presence of ions (charged particles) in the solution. If a solution has free-moving ions, it is considered to be an electrolyte and conducts electricity. If a solution does not have free-moving ions, it is called a non-electrolyte and does not conduct electricity.
02

Properties of Methyl Alcohol

Methyl alcohol, also known as methanol or CH3OH, is a polar molecule with both -OH (hydroxyl) group and a hydrocarbon chain (CH3). However, it does not dissociate into ions when it is in a solution. This means there will be no free-moving charged particles in a solution of methyl alcohol.
03

Properties of Water

Water (H2O) is a polar molecule and is known as a universal solvent. This means that it can dissolve many substances. However, not all substances dissolved in water dissociate into ions. Non-electrolytes, such as sugar and alcohol, can dissolve in water but do not form charged particles.
04

Methyl Alcohol and Water Mixture

When methyl alcohol is mixed with water, the molecules of both substances get surrounded by each other due to hydrogen bonding between -OH groups of water and methyl alcohol molecules. But, even though methyl alcohol dissolves in water, it does not dissociate into ions; thus, it does not contribute to the conductivity of the solution.
05

Conclusion

A solution of methyl alcohol in water does not conduct electricity because methyl alcohol is a non-electrolyte and does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. The solution does not contain free-moving charged particles that are required for electrical conductivity.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is wrong with using common names for hydrocarbon molecules?

Using the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\), draw the structural formula of (a) a molecule that is polar, (b) a molecule that is nonpolar, and (c) a molecule that contains only \(\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{C}\) single bonds.

(a) What functional group does the molecule ethanal contain? How can you tell? (b) Draw a dot diagram for the molecule. Answer: (a) The ending -al tells you this molecule is an aldehyde. It therefore contains the aldehyde functional group.

What class of compounds does the general formula \(\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{OH}\) represent? What does the \(\mathrm{R}\) represent?

Benzene is a hydrocarbon that has the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{6}\). The benzene molecule contains a six-carbon ring and three double bonds. Draw its structural formula.
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