Is C2H5OH an electrolyte or nonelectrolyte?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether C2H5OH, which is ethanol, behaves as an electrolyte or a nonelectrolyte. The distinction concerns whether it can dissociate into ions in solution and conduct electricity.
Answer
nonelectrolyte
The final answer is that C2H5OH (ethanol) is a nonelectrolyte.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that C2H5OH (ethanol) is a nonelectrolyte.
More Information
Ethanol (C2H5OH) is a nonelectrolyte because it does not dissociate into ions in water, thus it does not conduct electricity.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that all solutions of compounds in water are electrolytes. It's important to check if the compound actually dissociates into ions.