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Reef Chemistry Question of the Day #81
We are all familiar with using TDS to measure the functioning of RO/DI systems.
Generally, TDS is a measure of charged ions in the water, and these are detected by conductivity (a TDS meter is a conductivity meter). That is, the charged ions moved in the water when an external electric field is applied, and a TDS meter detects this movement.
It turns out, however, that absolutely pure fresh water has some conductivity that can be detected with a suitable conductivity meter.
By contrast, there isn't any significant conductivity in most organic solvents (e.g., hexane).
Why is there any conductivity at all in pure fresh water?
Good luck!
.
We are all familiar with using TDS to measure the functioning of RO/DI systems.
Generally, TDS is a measure of charged ions in the water, and these are detected by conductivity (a TDS meter is a conductivity meter). That is, the charged ions moved in the water when an external electric field is applied, and a TDS meter detects this movement.
It turns out, however, that absolutely pure fresh water has some conductivity that can be detected with a suitable conductivity meter.
By contrast, there isn't any significant conductivity in most organic solvents (e.g., hexane).
Why is there any conductivity at all in pure fresh water?
Good luck!
.
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