Conductivity Measuring Cells

The electrolytic conductivity is defined as the ability of a substance to conduct an electrical current.

Measurement of the conductivity depends on the concentration of the medium being measured. Aqueous solutions of such electrolytes as salts, acids or alkalis can conduct electrical currents. The electrical charge is carried by ions.

The higher the concentration (number of ions per unit volume), the greater the conductivity of the solution concerned. However, the conductivity does not change linearly with the concentration and depends on a number of different factors. To a large extent, the conductivity of a solution depends on its temperature. The mobility of the ions increases as the temperature rises, thus simultaneously increasing the conductivity. A temperature increase of 1°C causes the conductivity to rise by 1 or 2%. This consequently makes it important to ensure a constant temperature for conductive measurement.