Does water conduct AC electricity?

Thread starter lasha1
Start date Sep 5, 2015
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Ac Electricity Water

In summary, water can conduct AC electricity due to the presence of ions that move back and forth when an AC current is applied. It is not as good of a conductor as metals, but still able to conduct electricity. Pure water is not a good conductor, but it can conduct electricity when it contains impurities that create ions. The salinity of water affects its ability to conduct electricity, with higher salinity resulting in better conductivity. Even frozen water, or ice, can conduct AC electricity, but not as well as liquid water due to the decrease in ion mobility. It is important to avoid handling electrical devices with wet hands, even if the water is frozen, as it can still conduct electricity and pose a risk.

Sep 5, 2015

lasha1

I khow water conducts DC electricity but AC ?

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Sep 6, 2015

nsaspook

Science Advisor

Pure deionized water is a very good insulator for AC and DC. What's conductive are the ions from impurities in water and they don't care what direction the current is going.

Related to Does water conduct AC electricity?

1. How does water conduct AC electricity?

Water can conduct AC electricity because of the presence of ions, which are charged particles. When an AC current is applied, these ions move back and forth, creating a flow of electricity through the water.

2. Is water a good conductor of AC electricity?

Yes, water is a good conductor of AC electricity. It is not as good as metals, but it is still able to conduct electricity due to the mobility of ions within the water.

3. Can pure water conduct AC electricity?

No, pure water is not a good conductor of electricity. It needs to contain impurities, such as minerals or salts, in order to conduct AC electricity. This is because these impurities create ions in the water.

4. How does the salinity of water affect its ability to conduct AC electricity?

The higher the salinity of water, the better it is able to conduct AC electricity. This is because saltwater has a higher concentration of ions, allowing for a greater flow of electricity.

5. Can water still conduct AC electricity if it is frozen?

Yes, frozen water, or ice, can still conduct AC electricity. However, it is not as good of a conductor as liquid water due to the decrease in mobility of the ions. This is why it is not recommended to touch or handle electrical devices with wet hands, as even frozen water can still conduct electricity and potentially cause harm.