Give reason why solution of sulphuric acid conduct electricity whereas, alcohol does not.

Sulphuric acid conducts electricity because:

i. Sulphuric acid is a strong acid wheras alcohol is weak acid.


ii. When sulphuric acid is mixed with water, it produces more number of H+ ions and when alcohol is mixed with water, it produces less number of H+ ions.


iii. This means sulphuric acid has more number of free electrons or mobile ions than alcohol.


iv. More the number of free electrons or mobile ions present, more will be the electricity.


v. Hence, sulphuric acid conduct electricity whereas, alcohol does not.


Note: When an acid is dissolved in water, it produces number of ions. The presence of ions (free electrons) are mainly responsible for the conduction of electricity.


19