A student is preparing for a laboratory investigation in which the electrical conductivity of aqueous solutions will be tested.
Five pure substances are available as 0.10molL−1 aqueous solutions:
• sodium chloride, NaCl
• glucose, C6H12O6
• methanol, CH3OH
• ammonium nitrate, NH4NO3
• carbon tetrachloride, CCl4
Answer the following questions about these solutes.
(a) Define the terms "electrolyte" and "nonelectrolyte" as they apply to aqueous solutions.
(b) For each solute in the list, state whether its 0.10molL−1 aqueous solution is expected to behave as a strong electrolyte, a weak electrolyte, or a nonelectrolyte. Justify EACH classification with reference to the type of bonding present and the species that exist in solution.