You will test various common solutions to see if they contain ions. Ions in water are positive and negative charges that can complete an electrical circuit. An electrical circuit is essentially a system that allows negatively-charged electrons to move from their source to something that attracts them. Electrons can do useful things while moving through a circuit: turn a motor or heat the filament in a light bulb, for example.

Below these instructions you will see the solutions to be tested. Each solution is in a beaker below a light bulb in a circuit that is plugged in to a source of electricity. The bulb isn't on because the circuit is broken by the gap between the two gray electrodes. Click on a light bulb holder to lower the electrodes into the beaker and see if the circuit is completed by ions in the solution. Write the name of each solution in the blanks provided under the solution number in the table provided for this activity in your Lab-Lecture Manual. Use the table to record your observations and conclusions.