In my homework the teacher asks for us to use conductivity variables and explain why whole milk would have a different conductivity then skim milk. He really does not give us the information or on any math to back this up so to me it seems the answer is obvious that skim milk has more water in it and therefore would have a different conductivity. Am I missing something or is this all that he is asking for?
I think that is what he is asking. Skim milk has little fat in it, fat is a poor conductor of heat or electricity.
It seems like you have a good understanding of why whole milk and skim milk would have different conductivities. Your reasoning is correct: the difference in conductivity is primarily due to the variation in water content between the two types of milk.
In terms of the question your teacher has posed, it seems that they want you to consider the concept of conductivity as a variable and explain why the presence of more water in skim milk affects its conductivity compared to whole milk. The focus here is on understanding the principle behind conductivity rather than performing any specific calculations or experiments.
To expand on your answer, here's a step-by-step explanation of how to approach this question:
1. Define conductivity: Conductivity is a measure of how well a substance conducts electricity. It quantifies the ability of a material to allow the flow of electric charges.
2. Discuss the factors affecting conductivity: When it comes to liquids, the main factor affecting conductivity is the presence of charged particles, such as ions, in the solution. These charged particles create an electric current when a voltage is applied across the substance.
3. Explain why water affects conductivity: Water is a polar molecule that naturally dissociates into positively charged hydrogen ions (H+) and negatively charged hydroxide ions (OH-). These charged ions enhance the overall conductivity of the liquid. Thus, substances with a higher water content tend to have higher conductivity.
4. Compare whole milk and skim milk: Whole milk contains a higher concentration of fat compared to skim milk, which means it has a lower water content. Skim milk, on the other hand, has a higher water content due to the removal of fat. Therefore, because skim milk has a higher water content, it has a higher conductivity compared to whole milk.
Remember, in situations like these, even if the answer seems straightforward, it's always good practice to explain the reasoning behind your answer and provide a clear understanding of the underlying scientific principles.