Which of the following types of molecules conduct electricity when dissolved in water?

• A. Ionic compounds such as NaCl
• B. Nonpolar molecules such as CH4
• C. Covalent compounds such as C6H12O6 (glucose)
• D. Noble gases such as Ne

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electrical conductivity in aqueous solutions depends on the presence of charged particles called ions that can move freely and carry electric current.
2. Recognize that ionic compounds, like NaCl, dissociate into positive and negative ions (Na\^+ and Cl\^- ) when dissolved in water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity.
3. Note that nonpolar molecules such as CH4 do not ionize or produce ions in water, so they do not conduct electricity.
4. Understand that covalent compounds like C6H12O6 (glucose) dissolve as whole molecules without forming ions, so their solutions do not conduct electricity.
5. Realize that noble gases such as Ne are monoatomic and inert; they do not dissolve to form ions and therefore do not conduct electricity in aqueous solution.