Final answer:
The true statement about weak electrolytes is that they dissociate only to a slight extent in aqueous solutions, unlike strong electrolytes, which dissociate fully. Examples include weak acids and weak bases that partially dissociate into ions.a) Weak electrolytes dissociate only to a slight extent in aqueous solutions
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is true of weak electrolytes is: a) Weak electrolytes dissociate only to a slight extent in aqueous solutions. Weak electrolytes include substances like weak acids and weak bases that do not fully dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. Instead, they exist in a dynamic equilibrium between the dissociated ions and the undissociated molecules. This contrasts with strong electrolytes, which fully dissociate into ions in solution, be it an acid, base, or salt.
For instance, acetic acid (vinegar) is a common example of a weak acid that is a weak electrolyte, dissociating partially as follows:
CH₃COOH ↔ CH₃COO⁻ + H⁺+
On the other hand, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid and a strong electrolyte, as it dissociates completely in water:
HCl → Cl⁻ + H⁺+