Lab 9: Mole Relationships in a Chemical Reaction

Question: How can conductivity be used to determine stoichiometric coefficients in a chemical reaction?

The purpose of this experiment is to measure the conductivity of a solution containing silver nitrate and an unknown by testing various volume combinations of Ag+ and unknown B n- ions to study the reactions that occur in the solutions.  In order to do this, volume combinations of the solution are measured until conductivity is minimized.  

Once the concentrations of both solutions are identical, then the ratio will aid in determining stoichiometric coefficients of the reactants.  Conductivity is defined as a solution's ability to conduct electricity.  Greater electrical conductivity increases with a solution of ions with a greater charge, or more ion concentration.  When the ions from a combined solutions are removed through gas or precipitate formulation, the conductivity is reduced.  For example, in this reaction, Ag+ and Cl- ions are removed, therefore reducing conductivity of the solution.