measuring electrolytes

hockey4_92 · Post by **hockey4_92** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 11:33 am

Hi i would like to know a way to measure electrolytesin drinks. My project is to figure out which drinks have the most electrolytes vs the price. so far i tried this. I took a glass of pineapple jus and a battery tester. The pineapple jus power came up as 24 on the scale. I tried it with water and it was 64 on the scale. Am I measuring electrolytes? if not what am I measuring? and if you have any other ideas for an energy drink science project please tell me. Your answer will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

jenniferpaulson · Post by **jenniferpaulson** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 12:08 pm

Hi Dave,

It sounds like you're on the right track with your project. Electrolytes increase the conductivity of a solution, which you are monitoring with your battery tester. For a proof of principle, you could prepare a solutions of water and known amounts of salt and measure them with the battery meter. (salt is a good electrolyte) You should see increased conductivity with increased salt concentration.

For a quick explaination see: http://dl.clackamas.cc.or.us/ch105-03/electrol.htm

This includes some more details - or try looking in a chemistry book.
http://www.usm.maine.edu/chy/manuals/11 ... nduct.html

Some things you might want to think about for background information - What is conductivity and how is it measured? Why do electrolytes increase the conductivity of water? What are some common electrolytes found in drinks?

Jennifer