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Which electrolyte is not correctly matched?

a. KClO₃/soluble salt
b. HCN/weak base
c. Ba(OH)₂/strong soluble base
d. HNO₃/ strong acid
e. (NH₄)₂SO4/soluble salt

User AlexeySRG
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1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

The incorrectly matched electrolyte is HCN/weak base, as HCN is a weak acid rather than a weak base, and the CN- anion from KCN makes the solution basic upon dissolution in water.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the electrolytes listed, the one that is not correctly matched is HCN/weak base. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is actually a weak acid, not a weak base. When potassium cyanide (KCN) is dissolved in water, the CN- anion can react with water to form a weak acid (HCN) and OH- ions, which makes the solution basic, not acidic.

For the other options:

  • KClO₃/soluble salt is correct; potassium chlorate is a soluble salt that comes from a strong base and a strong acid.
  • Ba(OH)₂/strong soluble base is correct; barium hydroxide is a strong base and highly soluble.
  • HNO₃/ strong acid is correct; nitric acid is a well-known strong acid.
  • (NH₄)₂SO₄/soluble salt is correct; ammonium sulfate is a soluble salt that dissociates completely in water.

User Xyzjayne
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