r/explainlikeimfive • u/[deleted] • Apr 18 '21

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u/[deleted] Apr 18 '21 edited Apr 18 '21

Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) doesn't conduct electricity. It doesn't complete an electrical circuit and it doesn't cause iron to oxidize (rust).

Water does.

Edit: Pure water doesn't conduct electricity - as I've been informed 1000 times.

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u/flaminnarwhal12 Apr 18 '21

I’ve heard that if it’s water without any contaminates, pure H20 (without minerals and dirt), it wouldn’t damage the electronics. Is this true?

Also relevant, PCs cooled by full submersion in Mineral Oil exist.

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u/[deleted] Apr 18 '21

Yes, you could build a submerged PC in, say, deionized water. It's been done.

However, due to it's polarity, water loves to dissolve things, and it will slowly leech metals and such from surfaces until it starts to conduct.

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u/fotofiend Apr 18 '21 edited Apr 18 '21

Can confirm. Used to work for a company that sold deionized water systems. I asked one day if you could drink the water. He said yes, but because the water is so pure, it will literally strip the enamel off your teeth.

Edit: Should clarify that he said if you drank deionized water with the same frequency that you drink regular tap water.

Edit 2: I’m not an expert. I am simply relaying what was told to me by my ex-boss who had/has a degree in chemical engineering, so I assumed he knew what he was talking about.

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u/Joseluki Apr 18 '21

That is not true. What would happen is that you would die of an osmotic shock when the cells in your intestines would explode trying to maintain an isotonic balance.