As a subject matter expert in the field of chemistry and physics, I am delighted to delve into the fascinating topic of why rainwater can conduct electricity while distilled water cannot. The primary reason lies in the presence or absence of ions in these two types of water.

Step 1: English Answer

Water, in its purest form, is a poor conductor of electricity. This is due to its molecular structure, where each water molecule is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, bonded together to form H2O. These molecules are polar, meaning they have a slight positive charge on one end and a slight negative charge on the other. However, in pure water, these molecules are not free to move independently because they are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are relatively strong intermolecular forces.

Distilled water is water that has been purified through the process of distillation, which removes impurities and dissolved substances, including ions. Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge. The absence of ions in distilled water is the key reason why it does not conduct electricity. Without charged particles, there is nothing to carry the electrical current.

Rainwater, on the other hand, is not pure. It is in contact with the atmosphere and can dissolve various substances from the air, including carbon dioxide, which forms carbonic acid, and various salts, such as sodium chloride (table salt). When these substances dissolve in rainwater, they dissociate into their constituent ions. For example, when sodium chloride dissolves, it breaks down into sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-). These ions are free to move and carry an electrical charge, which allows rainwater to conduct electricity.

Furthermore, rainwater can also contain particulate matter, dust, and other impurities that may have come from the soil or the air. These impurities can also contribute to the conductivity of rainwater by providing additional ions or by acting as a medium for the movement of ions.

The conductivity of a substance is measured by its electrical resistivity or its reciprocal, conductivity. The lower the resistivity, the higher the conductivity. Distilled water has a very high resistivity, typically in the range of 1 to 18 megaohm-cm, making it an excellent insulator. In contrast, rainwater, with its dissolved ions, has a much lower resistivity and can therefore conduct electricity.

It is also important to note that the conductivity of rainwater can vary depending on factors such as the amount of dissolved substances, the pH level, and the presence of other impurities. For instance, rainwater that falls through a polluted atmosphere may have a higher concentration of ions and thus a higher conductivity than rainwater that falls through a cleaner atmosphere.

In summary, the ability of rainwater to conduct electricity is due to the presence of dissolved ions, which are absent in distilled water. The presence of these ions allows for the movement of electrical charges, making rainwater a conductor, while distilled water remains an insulator.

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Distilled water cannot conduct electricity because it does not contain ions while rain water conducts electricity as it contains ions due to presence of dissolved salts in it.read more >>