Question

Pure copper metal has a very high conductivity. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, has a much lower conductivity. Why are the conductivities different?

Answer 1

A solution which contains ions is conductive, since the ions are electrically charged and can respond to a voltage. A solution which does not contain ions, but instead has intact molecules is not very conductive. Of course, water always contains at least a small amount of ions since water itself dissociates into H+ and OH- ions, at least to a slight degree, so water is always at least mildly conductive. There are other solvents and other solutions which are entirely non-conductive.

Answer 2

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