Question

Explain why, a solution of cane sugar does not conduct electricity but a solution of common salt is a good conductor of electricity.

Lakhmir Singh Chemistry Class 10

Answer 1

Cane sugar (sucrose) has the formula C12H22O11 and is molecular.

When it is dissolved in water, the solution does not conduct electricity because it lacks free and mobile ions that are necessary to conduct electricity.

Common salt (sodium chloride) has the formula NaCl and is ionic

When it is dissolved in water, it dissociates into mobile and free sodium ions and chloride ions which helps this solution to conduct electricity.

NaCl (aq) -------->  Na+ (aq) + Cl- (aq)

NOTE:

Free and mobile ions are required to conduct electricity.

Answer 2

Answer: As sugar solution does not conduct electricity.

Explanation: because the sugar solution does not contain any free ions to dissociate when electricity is passed through it.