The correct option is (b).
Explanation
Electrical conductivity in liquids is determined by the presence of free-moving charged particles, typically ions. Materials are classified based on their ability to permit the flow of electric current: those that allow flow are conductors, and those that block it are insulators.- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Pure water (distilled water) is a poor conductor of electricity. It consists of neutral molecules and lacks the free ions necessary to carry an electric charge effectively.
- Statement 2 is Correct: When salts are dissolved in water, they dissociate into positive and negative ions (e.g., sodium and chloride ions). These free-moving ions act as charge carriers, making the solution a good conductor of electricity.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Liquids that conduct electricity are classified as conductors (specifically electrolytes in chemical contexts). The term insulators refers to materials that do not allow electric current to pass through them.
Key Takeaway: The conductivity of water is dependent on impurities; pure water is an insulator, while water containing dissolved salts is a conductor due to the presence of free ions.