Question

The aqueous solution of which of the following compounds conduct electricity?

• A. Sodium chloride
• B. Nitric acid
• C. Sodium hydroxide
• D. Methane

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The correct options are
A Sodium chloride
B Nitric acid
C Sodium hydroxide

Solutions conduct electricity when there are free ions present in it.

- Nitric acid $\left({\text{HNO}}_3\right)$ is a strong acid and sodium hydroxide $\left(\text{NaOH}\right)$ is a strong base. They dissociate into their respective ions when dissolved in water- ${\text{H}}^{+},{\text{NO}}_3^{-},{\text{Na}}^{+}\text{and}{\text{OH}}^{-}$.

- Sodium chloride $\left(\text{NaCl}\right)$ is a salt which dissociates into ions ${\text{(Na}}^{+}\text{and}{\text{Cl}}^{-})$ when added in water.

- Methane $\left({\text{CH}}_4\right)$ is a covalent compound and cannot form ions in aqueous solution. Thus, it does not conduct electricity.