Why does solid sugar not conduct electricity?

Sophia Cooper | 2023-06-06 01:14:49 | page views:1295
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Amelia Kim

Studied at the University of Seoul, Lives in Seoul, South Korea.
As a specialist in the field of chemistry and physics, I can provide an in-depth explanation of why solid sugar does not conduct electricity. The ability of a substance to conduct electricity is directly related to the presence of free-moving charged particles within it. Let's delve into the atomic and molecular structure of sugar and how it relates to its electrical conductivity.

Sugar, specifically sucrose, is a type of carbohydrate composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. It is a covalent compound, which means that the atoms within the sugar molecule are held together by shared electrons. In a covalent bond, electrons are shared between atoms, forming a stable structure. This sharing of electrons results in a neutral molecule with no net charge.

In contrast, substances that conduct electricity, such as metals, have a lattice structure where electrons are not tightly bound to any single atom. These are known as free electrons and can move freely throughout the material. When an electric field is applied, these free electrons can move in a directed manner, creating an electric current.

Now, let's consider the situation when sugar is dissolved in water. The statement provided suggests that uncharged molecules like sugar do not conduct electricity when dissolved in water. This is partially correct but requires further clarification. When sugar dissolves in water, it forms a solution where sugar molecules are dispersed throughout the water. These sugar molecules remain intact and do not dissociate into ions. Therefore, there are no free-moving charged particles in the solution, and it does not conduct electricity.

However, it's important to note that not all solutions of uncharged molecules are non-conductive. For example, some organic compounds can dissolve in water and still allow for some level of conductivity due to the presence of polar molecules that can interact with water molecules, leading to a slight movement of charge. But in the case of sugar, this effect is negligible, and the solution remains a poor conductor of electricity.

The process of electrical conduction involves the movement of charged particles. In the case of ionic compounds, such as salts, when they dissolve in water, they dissociate into their constituent ions. These ions are charged particles that can move freely in the solution and carry an electric current when subjected to an electric field. This is why solutions of acids, bases, and salts can conduct electricity.

In summary, solid sugar does not conduct electricity because it is a covalent compound with a stable molecular structure that does not allow for the free movement of charged particles. When dissolved in water, sugar molecules do not dissociate into ions, and thus there are no charged particles available to carry an electric current. This is in contrast to ionic compounds, which dissociate into ions when dissolved, allowing for the conduction of electricity.


2024-05-23 04:01:31

Oliver Kim

Works at the International Maritime Organization, Lives in London, UK.
When an acid, a base, or a salt is dissolved in water, the molecules break into electrically charged particles called ions. Solutions with ions conduct electricity. Because pure water has few ions, it is a poor conductor. Uncharged molecules that dissolve in water, like sugar, do not conduct electricity.
2023-06-09 01:14:49

Amelia Brown

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
When an acid, a base, or a salt is dissolved in water, the molecules break into electrically charged particles called ions. Solutions with ions conduct electricity. Because pure water has few ions, it is a poor conductor. Uncharged molecules that dissolve in water, like sugar, do not conduct electricity.
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