Why Salt Water Can Conduct Electricity

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<h3>Why Salt Water Can Conduct Electricity</h3>

Electricity and Conduction

To understand why salt water conducts electricity, we have to first understand what electricity is. Electricity is a steady flow of electrons or electrically charged particles through a substance. In some conductors, such as copper, the electrons themselves are able to flow through the substance, carrying the current. In other conductors, such as salt water, the current is moved by molecules called ions.

Dissolving Salt Water

Spilled salt shaker



Pure water is not very conductive, and only a tiny bit of current can move through the water. When salt or sodium chloride (NaCl) is dissolved in it, however, the salt molecules split into two pieces, a sodium ion and a chlorine ion. The sodium ion is missing an electron, which gives it a positive charge. The chlorine ion has an extra electron, giving it a negative charge.

Creating a Current

Bolt of lightning in a midnight sky, South Africa

An electric source sending a current through water will have two terminals: a negative one that conducts electrons into the water, and a positive one that removes them. Opposite charges attract, so the sodium ions are attracted to the negative terminal, and the chlorine to the positive. The ions form a bridge, the sodium ions absorbing electrons from the negative terminal, passing them to chlorine ions and then the positive terminal.

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.