Question

What is the expected electrical conductivity of the following solutions?

(a) NaOH(aq)
(b) HCl(aq)
(c) C₆H₁₂O₆(aq) (glucose)
(d) NH₃(aq)

Answer 1

NaOH(aq) and HCl(aq) solutions are strong electrolytes with high electrical conductivity. C₆H₁₂O₆(aq) is a nonelectrolyte with low conductivity. NH₃(aq) is a weak electrolyte with moderate conductivity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expected electrical conductivity of various solutions can be described by classifying each substance as an electrolyte or a nonelectrolyte:

1. NaOH(aq): This is a strong base and it dissociates completely into Na+ and OH- ions in water, making it a strong electrolyte with high electrical conductivity.
2. HCl(aq): As a strong acid, HCl also dissociates completely into H+ and Cl- ions, resulting in a strong electrolyte with high conductivity.
3. C₆H₁₂O₆(aq) (glucose): Glucose does not ionize in solution; it remains as molecules. Therefore, it is a nonelectrolyte and the solution has very low to virtually no electrical conductivity.
4. NH₃(aq): Ammonia partially dissociates into NH₄+ and OH- ions in water, making it a weak electrolyte. It conducts electricity, but not as well as strong electrolytes.