Electrolytic Conductivity
The ability of an electrolyte solution to conduct electric current, equal to the reciprocal of its resistivity.
Formula / equation
κ = (1/R)(l/A)
Unit
S/m
In depth
Conductivity depends on the number of ions present, their charges and their mobilities. It rises with concentration up to a maximum and then falls as ion crowding reduces mobility, and it increases with temperature because the solvent becomes less viscous.
Examples in the real world
Pure water conducts at 5.5 × 10⁻⁶ S/m while seawater reaches about 5 S/m.