2006-11-10 12:56:04 · 12 answers · asked by colonbuay 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Chemically pure water is an electrical insulator.
Even the least impurity, even the least amount of any dissolved ion, will convert it into a conductor. Even dissolved CO2 will provide the ionic activity to make water conductive
2006-11-10 13:00:16 · answer #1 · answered by gandalf 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely pure water is considered an insulator. But even insulators conduct electricity to some minute extent!
"The specific conductance of pure water, κ(H2O) = 4.2 x 10-8 Ω-1cm-1 at 20ºC..."
http://ak-powell.chemie.uni-karlsruhe.de/Cours%20de%20Chris%20Anson/OHP5solu.doc.
Also, if the voltage applied to an insulator like water is high enough, the electrons are ripped off the atoms, and a plasma is created, which conducts electricity very well.
2006-11-10 13:36:41 · answer #2 · answered by pack_rat2 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Water itself is not a conductor, however the Ions in water are great conductors. If you freeze the water, it will have less than the ability to conduct and dissapate static electricity.
2006-11-10 13:09:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. No. If there are materials dissolved in the water then the solution will conduct through the ions.
2006-11-10 12:59:34 · answer #4 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not unless it has ions dissolved in it; NaCl, for instance. Pure water does not conduct electricity.
2006-11-10 13:00:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The particulate matter in the water conducts electricity. Saltwater is better than fresh. more minerals...
2006-11-10 13:24:48 · answer #6 · answered by Robert B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
pure water does not. Impurities reduce its impedance.
2006-11-10 13:01:40 · answer #7 · answered by sciguy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ha ha..no
put your plugged in hair dryer in a full bathtub and you'll find out
2006-11-11 05:00:51 · answer #8 · answered by Lacy L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!! Thats why you get out of the pool or body of water when it is lightning outside
2006-11-10 13:01:07 · answer #9 · answered by hippiechic2241 1 · 0⤊ 4⤋
try this - get into a full bathtub, plug in a toaster, then drop it into the water - you'll have your answer
2006-11-10 13:07:58 · answer #10 · answered by forex 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋