Conductivity Meter

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A conductivity device is used to measure the conductivities of electrolytic solutions. Electrodes on the device are dipped into a solution, and the solution's conductivity is registered on the display.

Remove the protective cap from the device. Check to see that the electrodes are clean. Rinse the electrodes with distilled water.

Video: Rinsing the electrodes ( 866K )

Dip the device into the solution. Do not immerse it above the raised dash mark near its base.

Turn on the device. Gently swirl it in the solution. Record the number shown on the display.

Sliding switch to "on" position with thumb

How can I tell if the battery is running low?

When finished, rinse the electrodes with distilled water, dry the device, and replace the protective cap.

Multiply the reading from the conductivity device by the number shown in the upper left corner of the display (either 10 or 100). This value is the conductivity of the solution in units of microsiemens. The higher the value, the more conductive the solution.

The device is able to register from 0 to 199. If the conductivity of the solution is greater than 199 times the appropriate multiplier, the device will register a "1" on the far left of the display.

Miscellaneous Exercises

You have been given an unknown solid, and you know that it is either NaCl or sugar. Devise an experiment that could distinguish between these two substances. No taste testing allowed! Answer

What is the conductivity as measured by this conductivity device (including units)? Answer

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