Which of the following is a nonelectrolyte?

A. [tex]\( \text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4 \)[/tex]
B. [tex]\( \text{Pb}\left(\text{NO}_3\right)_2 \)[/tex]
C. [tex]\( \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 \)[/tex]
D. [tex]\( \text{Ag}\left(\text{C}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2\right) \)[/tex]



Answer :

To determine which of the given compounds is a nonelectrolyte, we must first understand what a nonelectrolyte is. A nonelectrolyte is a substance that does not ionize in water and therefore does not conduct electricity. Let's analyze each of the given compounds:

1. [tex]\( Na_2SO_4 \)[/tex] (Sodium sulfate):
Sodium sulfate is an ionic compound composed of sodium ions ([tex]\( Na^+ \)[/tex]) and sulfate ions ([tex]\( SO_4^{2-} \)[/tex]). When dissolved in water, it dissociates into its respective ions, making it an electrolyte.

2. [tex]\( Pb(NO_3)_2 \)[/tex] (Lead(II) nitrate):
Lead(II) nitrate is also an ionic compound. It contains lead ions ([tex]\( Pb^{2+} \)[/tex]) and nitrate ions ([tex]\( NO_3^- \)[/tex]). Upon dissolving in water, it dissociates into these ions, thus, it is an electrolyte.

3. [tex]\( C_6H_{12}O_6 \)[/tex] (Glucose):
Glucose is a covalent compound and a common sugar. Unlike ionic compounds, it does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. Instead, it dissolves as whole molecules. Therefore, glucose does not conduct electricity in solution, classifying it as a nonelectrolyte.

4. [tex]\( Ag(C_2H_3O_2) \)[/tex] (Silver acetate):
Silver acetate is an ionic compound consisting of silver ions ([tex]\( Ag^+ \)[/tex]) and acetate ions ([tex]\( C_2H_3O_2^- \)[/tex]). In water, it dissociates into these ions, making it an electrolyte.

Given this analysis, the compound that does not ionize in water is glucose ([tex]\( C_6H_{12}O_6 \)[/tex]). Therefore, the nonelectrolyte from the given choices is:

[tex]\[ C_6H_{12}O_6 \][/tex]