What they look like

This sensor is used to measure the electrical conductivity or ion concentration of an aqueous solution.

How the sensor works

The Conductivity Probe measures the ability of a solution to conduct an electric current between two electrodes. In solution, the current flows by ion transport, therefore, an increasing concentration of ions in the solution will result in higher conductivity values.

The Conductivity Probe is actually measuring conductance, defined as the reciprocal of resistance. When resistance is measured in ohms, conductance is measured using the SI unit, siemens. Since siemens is a very large unit, aqueous samples are commonly measured in microsiemens, or µS.

Where it can be used

• To investigate the conductivity of a solution
• To investigate the effects of adding solutes to solvents
• To examine ionic and covalent compounds
• To investigate water hardness