To determine which of the given compounds is an electrolyte, we need to understand the concept of electrolytes. Electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, thus allowing the solution to conduct electricity.
Let's examine each compound individually:
1. CH\(_4\)OH (methanol):
- Methanol is a simple alcohol. When dissolved in water, methanol does not dissociate into ions. Therefore, it does not conduct electricity in solution.
- Conclusion: Methanol is not an electrolyte.
2. Ca(NO\(_3\))\(_2\) (calcium nitrate):
- Calcium nitrate is an ionic compound. When dissolved in water, it dissociates completely into calcium ions (Ca\(^{2+}\)) and nitrate ions (NO\(_3^-\)).
- The dissociation can be represented by the equation:
[tex]\[
\text{Ca(NO}_3\text{)}_2 \rightarrow \text{Ca}^{2+} + 2\text{NO}_3^-
\][/tex]
- The presence of these free-moving ions in the solution allows it to conduct electricity.
- Conclusion: Calcium nitrate is an electrolyte.
3. C\(_{12}\)H\(_{22}\)O\(_{11}\) (sucrose):
- Sucrose is a sugar, and like many other sugars, it does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. It remains as molecules in the solution.
- Conclusion: Sucrose is not an electrolyte.
4. CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)OH (ethanol):
- Ethanol, similar to methanol, is another simple alcohol. Ethanol does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water.
- Conclusion: Ethanol is not an electrolyte.
Based on these analyses, the compound that dissociates into ions in solution and thus acts as an electrolyte is calcium nitrate, Ca(NO\(_3\))\(_2\). Thus, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[
Ca\left( NO _3\right) _2
\][/tex]
