Introduction to Electrical Conductivity
All materials can be classified as either an electrical conductor, insulator, or semi-conductor based on their resistance to the flow of current. In Part 1 of the activity, students use conductivity testers* to test several common objects to determine if they are conductors or insulators. In Part 2, students test aqueous solutions of an acid, a base, a salt, an alcohol, and a hydrocarbon. This kit serves as an excellent introduction for students in physical science, general science, and introductory chemistry courses.
*Conductivity testers are not included with this kit. We recommend using either the Lab-Aids® 9-Level Conductivity Indicator (Product ID 300M-U) or the Lab-Aids® Audible Conductivity Indicator (Product ID CO-002).
Details at a Glance
- 1 Day | 1 ~50 minute class period
- 2 Activities
- Accommodates 1 class, with 15 groups of 2 students
- Consumables service 30 students
- Requires a water source
Scientific Concepts
• Explores electrical conductivity
• Develop principles of conductors and insulators
• Develop principles of electrolytes and non-electrolytes using acids, bases, salts, alcohols, and hydrocarbons
• Test a variety of common materials for their conductivity characteristics
• Differentiate between strong, weak, and non-conductors of electricity
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 15 Chemplates® with measuring and mixing spatulas
- 1 String, cut, pkg
- 1 Paper clips, metal, pkg
- 1 pics, plastic, pkg
- 1 Rubber bands, pkg
- 1 Insulation copper wire, strips, pkg
- 2 Bottles of hydrochloric acid, 6M, 1/4 oz
- 2 Bottles of denatured alcohol, 1/4 oz
- 2 Bottles of glacial acetic acid, 1/4 oz
- 3 Bottles of deionized water, 2 oz
- 1 Vial of calcium hydroxide
- 1 Vial of sodium chloride crystals
- 1 Vial of sucrose crystals, solid
- 1 Teacher's Guide with MSDS
- 30 Student Worksheets and Guides
- Not included and needed for instruction: Paper towels, Lab-Aids® 9-Level Conductivity Indicator (Product ID 300M-U).