Conductivity of Glacial Acetic Acid

A demonstration using pure acetic acid and water highlighting the ionization of acids and the need for ions in the conduction of electricity. For more information including instructions, discussion of concepts, and other demonstrations visit the NKU demonstration database at ChemDemos.nku.edu

Category:

Science & Technology

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• condaceticacid

[sieveb1]

@Basfarmatthijs no the species formed as H3O+ and CH3COO- since the CH3COOH (acetic acid) is an acid it will give up the H+ allowing the surrounding water to take it and form the H30+. This is the main behavior for acids in water solutions. Since these new species have charges they are ions and can conduct electricity.

[Basfarmatthijs]

@sieveb1 So it's not like H2 and O2 are being formed?

[sieveb1]

@Basfarmatthijs in terms of the actual conductivity itself no there just needs to be ions present to carry the current. In this demonstration there is a chemical reaction in that the H lease the acetic acid and joins the water but that simply creates the ions which are then used. Hope this makes sense.

[Basfarmatthijs]

Is there a chemical reaction involed in conducting electricity?