Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

(Created prior to 1993)

Question: Do sodas conduct electricity?
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This is an interesting question, but since I have never dropped a 
hair dryer into  a can of soda, I really do not know for sure.  However, my 
guess is that soda DOES conduct electricity.  My reasoning for this is as 
follows.  In order to conduct electricity a solution must contain dissolved 
ions.  These ions (or electrolytes) allow the electric current to move through 
the solution.  Some solutions do not conduct very well since the 
concentrations of ions are low.  Others conduct very well.  Soda has 
carbonation which is just carbon dioxide dissolved in water.  When carbon 
dioxide is dissolved in water a weak acid system is created in which carbonic 
acid (h2co3), bicarbonate ion (hco3+), and carbonate ion (co3++) exist in 
solution.  (There are also other things dissolved in there which probably 
contribute too).  The presence of these ion forms, as well as others, will 
allow an applied current to pass through the solution, although it will 
probably be somewhat weak.
woodford
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