Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing the electrolyte challenge that is with the sport drink vs orange juice. I don't understand what you are supposed to do with conductance sensor after you have made everything. I have wrapped the copper wire and finished the rest of the steps. So now...Where does the conductance sensor go? In the drink? It doesn't make any sense to me. I would really appreciate it if you could tell me where the conductance sensor goes and what it is supposed to be doing there. THANK YOU SO MUCH!


Please reply as soon as possible!!!! I have only a few more days to finish my experiment!

In step #2 of 'Measuring the conductance', it says to immerse the conductance sensor in the liquid (in this case, distilled water). Immerse means to submerge it--to put it in the drink, as you say.

As for what it's doing, in order for there to be an electric current (which is what the meter will pick up), there has to be something that can conduct electrons throughout the entire path of the electron. Wire, for example, is a good conductor and electrons can move easily through wire. With the conductance sensor you've made, you've created a gap where there is no wire, and the only thing there is is whatever liquid you are submerging the sensor in. If the liquid is a good conductor, you will get a strong current; if it is not a good conductor, you will get a low or even no current.

Hope that helps!

Thank you so much! You helped me a lot!