Distilled water and tap water serve different purposes and have distinct properties. Distilled water is produced by boiling water and then condensing the steam back into liquid, which effectively removes impurities, including minerals and microorganisms. As a result, distilled water is almost free of ions and thus behaves as a nonelectrolyte. A nonelectrolyte is a substance that does not dissociate into ions in solution, meaning it does not conduct electricity. On the other hand, tap water contains various dissolved minerals and impurities that can include calcium, magnesium, and sodium. These minerals are ions, making tap water a weak electrolyte. When these ions are present in tap water, they can conduct electricity, which is critical in various biological and chemical processes.
Examples of electrolytes include ionic compounds like sodium chloride (table salt) and potassium chloride, which dissociate into their respective ions when dissolved in water. Electrolytes are essential for numerous bodily functions, including nerve transmission and muscle contraction. Nonelectrolyte examples include sugar and ethanol, which do not dissociate into ions in solution. For example, when sugar dissolves in water, it remains as whole molecules rather than breaking down into ions, leading to no conductivity. Understanding the difference between these two types of substances helps in various applications, from drinking water choices to medical treatments.