Question

question 20 of 30
which solution is an example of a nonelectrolyte?

a. iodine in hexane
b. hydrogen chloride in water
c. sodium nitrate in water
d. acetic acid in water

Explanation:

A nonelectrolyte is a substance that does not dissociate into ions in solution and thus does not conduct electricity.

• Option A: Iodine ($I_2$) is a non - polar molecule, and hexane is a non - polar solvent. In this solution, iodine dissolves as molecules, and there are no ions formed. So, it is a nonelectrolyte.
• Option B: Hydrogen chloride (HCl) in water dissociates into $H^+$ and $Cl^-$ ions ($HCl

ightarrow H^++Cl^-$), so it is an electrolyte (strong electrolyte).

• Option C: Sodium nitrate ($NaNO_3$) in water dissociates into $Na^+$ and $NO_3^-$ ions ($NaNO_3

ightarrow Na^++NO_3^-$), so it is an electrolyte.

• Option D: Acetic acid ($CH_3COOH$) in water partially dissociates into $H^+$ and $CH_3COO^-$ ions, so it is a weak electrolyte.

Answer:

A. Iodine in hexane