Which one of the following sets of liquids consists entirely of electrical conductors?

Correct Option

The correct option is

Vinegar, Lime juice, Tap water

Explanation

For a liquid to conduct electricity, it must contain charged particles (ions) that are free to move. Liquids that conduct electricity are known as electrolytes. Solutions of acids, bases, and salts in water generally produce free ions, thereby acting as good conductors. Conversely, liquids composed of neutral molecules or lacking free ions act as insulators.

Option-wise Analysis

• Lemon juice, Vinegar, Distilled water: Lemon juice and vinegar contain acids (citric acid and acetic acid, respectively) which dissociate into ions, making them conductors. However, distilled water is free of salts and impurities, meaning it lacks free ions and is a poor conductor of electricity. Thus, this set is incorrect.
• Tap water, Vegetable oil, Milk: Tap water contains dissolved salts and minerals, making it a conductor. Milk contains water, salts, and acids (lactic acid), making it a conductor. However, vegetable oil is a non-polar covalent compound that does not dissociate into ions. It acts as an insulator. Thus, this set is incorrect.
• Vinegar, Lime juice, Tap water: Vinegar is a solution of acetic acid, and lime juice contains citric acid; both release ions in solution. Tap water contains dissolved mineral salts that provide the necessary ions for conduction. Therefore, all three liquids in this set are electrical conductors. This is the correct set.
• Honey, Distilled water, Salt solution: Salt solution is an excellent conductor due to the presence of sodium and chloride ions. However, distilled water is a poor conductor, and honey, being a solution of sugars (covalent molecules), is also a poor conductor. Thus, this set is incorrect.

Key Takeaway: Liquids conduct electricity only when they contain dissolved acids, bases, or salts that dissociate into free-moving ions. Pure water and organic non-polar liquids (like oil) are generally insulators.