why is it that aqueos NaCl can conduct electricity but molecular oxygen cannot ?

[titanium_micky]

[titanium_micky]

It is true that aqueous sodium chloride can conduct electricity but molecular oxygen cannot.This is so because, you see, the NaCl is an electrovalent or ionic compound so the electrostatic force of attraction between the oppositely charged Na+ and Cl- ions is broken down when the compund dissloves in water and hence the ions become free mobile ions in water, hence can conduct electricity....but for molecular oxygen, it is a covalent compund, not ionic so it has weak covalent forces holding the individual atoms together. it cannot break into free mobile electrons in water and so cannot conduct electricity. it is suitable for our respiration where it breaks down glucose to release energy in cells..

[wildwood]

From ask a Scientist.
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Pure water is a rather poor conductor of electricity because, for the most part, it exists as electrically neutral molecules -- that is, the molecules carry no electric charge. When salt (or any other soluble ionic compound) is dissolved in water, the NaCl dissociates into Na+ and Cl- ions. These positive and negative ions represent the charge carriers in solution. because they are mobile and can accept and transfer electrons through the liquid.

Regards,
ProfHoff 707
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When NaCl dissolves in water, positive Na(+1) and negative (Cl-1) are formed. These ions are surrounded by water molecules attracted by the dipole moment of water and the charges, but that does not affect the result. When a voltage is impressed across the salt solution the positive ions are attracted to the electron donating electrode and the negative ions migrate toward the electron accepting electrode. The result is a net flow or electrons (otherwise known as an electric current). If the voltage is sufficient water is decomposed into H2 and
O2 at the electron donating and electron accepting electrodes respectively.

Vince Calder
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