When dissolved in water does sodium nitrate conduct electricity?

Answer 1

In order that a substance can conduct an electric current, the electrical charge has to be able to move through the substance by means of charged particles. In metals, even when they are solid, the metal atoms split into ions and free electrons. These free electrons can move from atom to atom (or, more accurately ion to ion). Therefore, the electrical charge can be carried on these free moving electrons and the metal conducts the electricity. In solid sodium hydoxide, however, there are no free moving charged particles and so solid sodium hydroxide does not conduct. Add water, however, and the sodium hydroxide dissolves to form a solution. In the solution the sodium hydroxide splits into ions - positive sodium ions (Na+) and negative hydroxide ions (OH-) that are free to move about the solution. Therefore the electrical charge can be carried on these free moving particles and so the solution (but not the solid) conducts. If a current is passed through sodium hydroxide solution the Na+ ions are attracted to the negative cathode. Also, Hydrogen ions (H+) from the water are also attracted to the cathode. Because Hydrogen is less reactive than Sodium, it is discharged from the solution (rather than the sodium) so that hydrogen gas is given off. It does this because each Hydrogen ion (H+) can pick up an electron from the current flowing through the cathode to form a hydrogen atom (H). Two atoms will then join up to form a hydrogen molecule H2 which is discharged at the cathode forming hydrogen gas. Similarly in the solution the OH- ions are attracted to the positive anode. Also, Hydroxide ions (OH-) from the water are also attracted to the cathode. Each of the OH- ions deposits an electron to provide the current flowing through the anode. This forms an OH radical which, being unstable, joins with another OH radical formed to produce a water molecule H2O and an oxygen atom. When a pair of oxygen atoms are produced, they join up to form an oxygen molecule O2 which is discharged at the anode forming oxygen gas. Melted Sodium Hydroxide also conducts as the ions are again free to move around in the melted substance. In this case, oxygen is still given off at the anode, but, as there are no hydrogen ions in the liquid because there is no water present, Sodium metal is discharged at the cathode instead.

Answer 2

Yes, it is true.

Answer 3

Yes