Question

How do you explain the relatively high conductivity of tap water compared to a low or zero conductivity for distilled water?

Answer 1

Tap water contains many dissolved ions that are required to carry an electric current, whilst distilled water contains no or relatively low amounts of dissolved ions. the absence of ions in the distilled water accounts for the low to zero conductivity of the water

hope that helps!

Answer 2

Answer:

It is explained by the dissolved salts that the tap water possesses and therefore contains ions in solution capable of transmitting the electric current

Explanation:

The conductivity of a substance is defined as "the ability or power to conduct or transmit heat, electricity or sound." The units are Siemens per meter [S / m] in SI measurement system and micromhos per centimeter [mmho / cm] in standard US units. Its symbol is k or s.

The electric current results from the movement of electrically charged particles and in response to the forces acting on these particles due to an applied electric field. Within most solids there is an electron flow that causes a current, and this electron flow is called electronic conduction. Electronic conduction is generated in all conductors, semiconductors and in most isolated materials; The electrical conductivity depends largely on the number of electrons available to participate in the conduction process. Most metals are good conductors of electricity, due to the large number of free electrons that can be excited in an empty and available state of energy.

In the water and ionic materials or fluids the movement of a network of charged ions can be generated. This process produces electrical current and is called ionic conduction.

The electrical conductivity is defined as the radius between the current density (J) and the electric intensity of the field (e) and is opposite to the resistivity (r, [W * m]):

s = J / e = 1 / r

Pure water is not a good conductor of electricity. Ordinary distilled water in equilibrium with carbon dioxide in the air has a conductivity of approximately 10 x 10-6 W-1 * m-1 (20 dS / m). Because the electric current is transported by means of ions in solution, the conductivity increases when the ion concentration increases. In such a way, that conductivity when water dissolves ionic compounds.

Conductivity in different types of waters:

Ultra Pure Water 5.5 x 10^-6 S / m

Drinking water 0.005 - 0.05 S / m

Sea water 5 S / m