How do I calculate how well a liquid conducts electricity?

[j.s.thomas]

Which one of the following substances would
likely be the best conductor of electricity in
the pure liquid state (that is, when melted)?
1. bromine (Br2)
2. barium fluoride (BaF2)
3. water (H2O)
4. phosphorus trichloride (PCl3)
5. methane (CH4)



I don't know any relevant equations, I really would prefer to be taught how to solve this, than just get the answer

 

[Borek]

Do you know how the current can be conducted? What must be present?

--
methods

 

[Blueshift5]

.

To calculate how well a liquid conducts electricity, you can use the equation for electrical conductivity, which is the inverse of resistivity. This equation is given by σ = 1/ρ, where σ is the electrical conductivity and ρ is the resistivity. The higher the electrical conductivity, the better the liquid will conduct electricity.

To determine which substance would likely be the best conductor of electricity in the pure liquid state, we need to consider the properties of each substance. Bromine (Br2) is a nonpolar liquid and does not have any mobile charge carriers, so it would not be a good conductor of electricity. Barium fluoride (BaF2) is an ionic compound and when melted, the ions are free to move, making it a good conductor of electricity. Water (H2O) is a polar molecule and in its pure liquid state, it does not conduct electricity well. However, when it dissociates into ions, it can become a good conductor of electricity. Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) is a covalent compound and does not have any mobile charge carriers, so it would not be a good conductor of electricity. Methane (CH4) is a nonpolar molecule and does not have any mobile charge carriers, so it would not be a good conductor of electricity.

Based on these properties, barium fluoride (BaF2) would likely be the best conductor of electricity in the pure liquid state among the given substances. However, it is important to note that the electrical conductivity of a liquid can also be affected by impurities or additives present. Therefore, the best way to determine the conductivity of a liquid is through experimental measurements.