Electrical Conductivity Lab Report

Martin Yamane
BCCC Physics 107
Abstract/Introduction:
In this lab experiment, we explored the concept of electrical currents,
resistance in terms of Ohms Law, and conductivity. The aim of the experiment was
to determine the conductivity of tap water before and after adding sodium chloride.
Our results show that conductivity increases with each addition of salt.
Theory:
The ability of electrons to flow from atom to atom in consecutive lines down
a material is the materials conductivity. Conductors are materials that allow easy
passage of electrons. Most metals are considered conductors because the electrons
surrounding their atoms act as a single sea allowing electrons to flow freely.
Insulators are materials that are relatively resistant to allowing an electric current
through. Most non-metals are insulators. Resistance and conductivity are inverse
measurements. Resistance is voltage over current. Adding salt to tap water will
increase its conductivity by polarizing the liquid allowing electrons to move from
ion to ion.
Results:
Resistor 316 ohms
Salt (grams)

Voltage (V)

0
1
2.6

3.99
4.40
6.56

Current (V/R)
(mA)
12.6
13.9
20.8

Voltage Drop
8.01
7.60
5.44

Conductivity
Water (mS)
1.6
1.8
3.8

Voltage drop of water found by subtracting total voltage (12 V) from voltage drop of
resistor. This uses Kirchoffs voltage law to determine the voltage drop of the water.
Conductivity of water is found by finding the total resistance of the circuit by
dividing total voltage (12 V) by total current, subtracting the resistance of the
resistor, then finding the reciprocal. Ex (((12V/12.6mA)X10^3)-316)X10^-1=1.6mS

Graphs:

Conductivity
4
3.5
3
2.5
2

Conductivity

1.5
1
0.5
0
0

Resistance vs Salt Mass

0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
Resistance

0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0

0.5

1.5

2.5

These graphs show that there is an exponential relationship between the mass of
salt and the resistance/conductivity of the water. With each addition of salt, the
waters ability to conduct an electrical current increased.
Discussion:
The addition of sodium chloride increases conductivity because the salt
dissociates into Na+ and Cl- ions that allow the passage of electrons. The Na+ ions
will congregate towards the negative electrode while the Cl- ions move towards the
positive electrode. The electrons are transferred from negative electrode to positive
ion and electrons are transferred from negative ion to positive electrode. Electrons
are transferred from the neutral Na atoms to the neutral Cl atoms between the

electrodes and this process repeats indefinitely allowing the solution to act as a
conductor.
Performing this experiment was beneficial to our understanding of the
conductivity of different materials to electricity along with our understanding of
Kirchoffs Laws.