DE LA SALLE LIPA
1962 JP LAUREL NATIONAL HIGHWAY
MATAAS NA LUPA, LIPA CITY
Properties of Solutions in Water
Group Members
Rubyna Grace P. Agno
Cheng L. Nazareth
Mark Gabriel V. Panopio
Samantha Betina J. Pulanco
INSTRUCTOR
Ms. Criza Mae Arellano
July 28, 2025
I. Introduction
Water is a vital substance and one of the most abundant compounds on
Earth. Its presence alongside living organisms distinguishes our planet from others
(Bice, n.d.). Water is an excellent solvent, meaning it can dissolve many substances
to form aqueous solutions (Water Science School [USGC], 2018). However, different
substances vary in their solubility in water. This experiment aims to investigate the
solubility of various substances in water. Understanding solubility is important
because water plays a critical role as a solvent in many scientific, industrial, and
biological processes. By studying how substances dissolve in water, we can better
formulate solutions, predict chemical reactions, and evaluate the environmental
effects of chemicals (LibreTexts, n.d.).
Electrolytes are essential minerals that support many vital bodily functions
(Beswick, 2019). The key difference between electrolytes and nonelectrolytes lies in
their ability to conduct electricity in solution. Electrolytes dissociate into ions when
dissolved, enabling electrical conductivity. In contrast, nonelectrolytes do not
dissociate and therefore do not conduct electricity (LibreTexts, 2025). Understanding
electrolytes and nonelectrolytes is crucial, as they both have important roles in
scientific contexts and homeostasis.
In this experiment, we will determine if a substance dissolves in water and
whether its resulting aqueous solution conducts electricity. If the solution conducts
electricity, the substance is classified as an electrolyte, meaning it dissociates into
ions. Conversely, if the substance dissolves but the solution does not conduct
electricity, it is considered a non-electrolyte because it does not produce ions in
solution.
II. Objectives
● To determine the solubility of different substances in water.
● To classify substances as electrolytes or non-electrolytes based on their
conductivity.
III. Methodology
In this experiment, eight 50 mL beakers were prepared, each containing a
different test substance: sucrose solution, hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium chloride
(NaCl) solution, ethyl alcohol, potassium iodide (KI) solution, tap water, chloroform,
and distilled water. In the preparatory step, each beaker was labeled, and 20 mL of
each prepared solution was transferred into the beakers using the aspirator. All
solutions were prepared with care to maintain equal volumes and consistent
concentrations. To assess the electrical conductivity of these substances, a
conductivity apparatus connected to an indicator bulb was employed. The electrodes
were then carefully immersed into the first beaker, and whether the bulb lit up was
observed to determine conductivity. After each test, the electrodes were rinsed
thoroughly with distilled water and dried using tissue to avoid contamination before
proceeding to the next solution. This process was repeated for all eight test
substances.
Safety protocols were strictly observed throughout the experiment. The group
wore protective gloves, safety goggles, mask, and a lab coat to minimize exposure to
potentially hazardous chemicals. The workspace was kept organized and dry to
reduce the risk of accidental spills or equipment damage. By combining careful
preparation, controlled testing conditions, and consistent observation, the experiment
aimed to reliably identify which of the tested substances exhibited conductive
properties and classify them accordingly as electrolytes or non-electrolytes.
IV. Results and Discussions
Based on our findings, it shows that ionic compounds such as Magnesium
Chloride (MgCl2) and Sodium Fluoride (NaF) were soluble in water and hydrophilic.
Polar covalent compounds like Sucrose (C12H22O11) and Ammonia (NH3) were able to
dissolve in water, while non-polar covalent compounds like Methane (CH4) and
Propane (C3H8) did not dissolve and cannot mix well with water.
Likewise on how different substances interact with water based on their
structure. Ionic compounds like Potassium Bromide (KBr) and Calcium Hydroxide
(Ca(OH)₂) dissolve in water and break into ions, allowing them to conduct electricity,
so they are called electrolytes. Non-polar substances like Pentane (C₅H₁₂) and
Butane (C₄H₁₀) do not dissolve in water because they are not attracted to it. Polar
substances like Methanol (CH₄O) and Pentose sugar (C₅H₁₀O₅) can dissolve in water
but do not form ions, so they cannot conduct electricity and are classified as
non-electrolytes.
Positive and negative ions are released when each substance is dissolved in
water. Substances like Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) , and
Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) release hydrogen ions (H+) along with their corresponding
negative ions, which means they are acids. Others like Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH),
Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH) release hydroxide
ions (OH⁻) along with their positive ions, this means they are bases. These ions are
what make solutions conductive to electricity.
Solutions such as NaCl, Kl, and dilute HCl are good conductors because they
form ions when in water. The more ions are present, the stronger the conduction.
Tap water conducts slightly because it contains some minerals. Distilled water,
sucrose solution, and ethyl alcohol do not conduct electricity because they either
don’t produce ions or have few of them.
This experiment aimed to find out which substances can dissolve in water and
which ones can conduct electricity based on their conductivity. The results showed
that a substance’s ability to dissolve or conduct electricity depends on its component
and how its particles behave in water.
Some substances, like salt (NaCl) and potassium iodide (Kl), are made of
charged particles called ions. When these substances dissolve in water, they
separate into positive and negative ions. Because of this, they can conduct electricity
and are called electrolytes (LibreTexts, 2023). On the other hand, substances like
sucrose and ethyl alcohol can dissolve in water, but they do not form ions. This is
why they cannot conduct electricity and are called non-electrolytes (ThoughtCo,
2019).
The results also showed that non-polar substances like butane and pentane
do not dissolve in water at all. This is because water is polar, and non-polar
substances do not mix well with it (ChemLibreTexts, 2023). This idea is explained by
the rule “like dissolves like,” meaning polar substances dissolve in polar liquids, and
non-polar ones dissolve in non-polar liquids.
V. Conclusion
In concluding the statements and findings of this experiment deemed to
investigate the solubility and conductivity of the different substances when interacting
with water. Results showed that ionic compounds such as Magnesium Chloride
(MgCl2) and Sodium Fluoride (NaF) presents a high solubility in water,
disassociating into positive and negative ions that enables the compounds to
conduct electricity effectively which can be classified as an electrolyte along with
compounds like Potassium Bromide (KBr), Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).
Contrasting the polar covalent substances such as Sucrose (C12H22O11)
and Ammonia (NH3) appear to dissolve in the solution without ionization resulting in
their inability to conduct electricity thus, were classified as non-electrolytes.
Compounds like Methane (CH4) and propane (C3H8) appear to have no solubility
due to the absence of polarity.
The overall goal of this experiment was to conclude the solubility and
conductivity of the substances are linked to their molecular structure and their nature
with their interaction to water. The findings reinforce the concept of ionic compounds
through an ion disassociation serving as an electrolyte meanwhile the covalent
compounds behaviour depends on their polarity. The data from the results contribute
insights into the classification of substances based on their physical and chemical
properties in aqueous solutions.
VI. References
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in Pearson+. (n.d.).
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VII. Documentation
Figure 1: Figure 2:
Beakers being prepared to hold Transferring reagents to beakers
substances using a pipet
Figure 3: Figure 4:
Light Bulb not lighting due to no Light Bulb lighting up due to
electrical conductivity. electrical conductivity.
