Part I - Comparing conductivity of ionic vs covalent substances
100mL distilled water was placed in a very clean glass, 100mL tap water was placed in another clean glass, and 100mL purified drinking water was placed in a third glass. All three types of water were tested by carefully placing the exposed metal portion of the electrodes of the conductivity apparatus in the solution to be tested, keeping the liquid level below the plastic coating on the wires. The ammeter reading was recorded for each sample tested. A new sample of distilled water was obtained, a pinch of salt added, and the water stirred until all the salt dissolved. The conductivity of the salt solutions was tested. The electrodes were rinsed with distilled water between tests. Another pinch of salt was added and dissolved, the conductivity tested and the appearance of the solution noted.
The experiment was repeated using sugar in place of the salt until four pinches of sugar had been added. The conductivity was measured after each pinch of sugar was dissolved in the water.
Part II - Comparing the conductivity of household solutions
Using plastic cups, samples of 10 different household solutions were tested for conductivity. The solutions tested were: baking soda, isopropyl alcohol, Windex, liquid soap, vitamin C, lemon juice, soda pop, calamine lotion, antacids, and coffee. The solutions were ranked in order from most to least conductive.
Using the solution which was the best electrolyte, liquid soap, 5mL of the solution were added to 50mL distilled water and stirred until a homogeneous mixture was obtained, and the conductivity measured. A further dilution of this solution was made by placing 5mL of this solution to 50 mL of distilled water, and again the conductivity was measured.
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