Question

Which is a valid reason why total dissolved solids (TDS) cannot be accurately calculated by conductivity alone?

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is the last option (Some dissolved solids may be nonelectrolytes)

Explanation:

Total dissolved solids (TDS) cannot be calculated by conductivity alone because conductivity involves ionic charges and there are solids that dissolve in water but do not carry ionic charges (and thus form non-electrolytes). Examples include sucrose (common sugar) and glucose. These two solids will dissolve in water but would not form ions that will carry ionic charges which are responsible for conductivity. Thus, if TDS only depends solely on conductivity, then a solution that contains dissolved sucrose will be wrongly accounted for as the sucrose will be omitted from the dissolved substances.