Question

Sesh wants to create a device to transmit an electrical current. He has the following materials: pure water (H2O), brass (Cu3Zn2) foil, solid calcium chloride (CaCl2), solid sugar (C12H22O11), pure methane (CH4), and a Bunsen burner. Describe two ways he could use these materials to transmit electricity. Assume that he has access to all necessary glassware and other equipment. Explain your choices using the properties of ionic, covalent, and metallic substances.

Answer 1

Here are two ways how he could use these materials to transmit electricity: 

The first one is to carry the current due to the fact that metals conduct electricity in a needed condition only when they are solid.And since dissolved ionic compounds are good for conducting electricity - make a dissolving. Such materials as methane, water and sugar are not suitable as they are covalent compounds, that, as you know can not conduct an electric current.

Do hope it will help you!

Answer 2

Use the brass foil to carry the current, because metals conduct electricity well in the solid state.

Dissolve the calcium chloride in water, because ionic compounds conduct electricity well when dissolved.

Pure water, sugar, or methane are not useful because they are covalent compounds and do not conduct an electric current.