Question

Which compound below forms an electrolyte solution when dissolved in water? Which compound below forms an electrolyte solution when dissolved in water?

-KOH
-C₁₂H₂2O₁₁ (sucrose)
-Cl₂CH₃CH₂OH
-none of the above

Answer 1

KOH forms an electrolyte solution when dissolved in water, while the other compounds do not.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to determine which compound forms an electrolyte solution when dissolved in water, we need to understand the concept of electrolytes and nonelectrolytes. Electrolytes are compounds that form ions when dissolved in water, whereas nonelectrolytes do not form ions and do not conduct electricity.

1. KOH: Potassium hydroxide dissociates into potassium ions (K+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water. Therefore, it forms an electrolyte solution.
2. C12H22O11 (sucrose): Sucrose is a molecular compound and does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. Thus, it is a nonelectrolyte.
3. Cl2CH3CH2OH: This compound, known as chloroethanol, is also a molecular compound and does not form ions when dissolved in water. Therefore, it is a nonelectrolyte.
4. None of the above: Only KOH forms an electrolyte solution when dissolved in water.

Answer 2

Among the compounds listed, KOH (potassium hydroxide) is the one that forms an electrolyte solution when dissolved in water because it dissociates into ions. Sucrose and the other compounds mentioned are considered nonelectrolytes and do not produce ions in solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Electrolyte Solutions

When compounds dissolve in water, some of them can form an electrolyte solution. An electrolyte is a substance that produces ions when dissolved in water, consequently allowing the solution to conduct electricity. Among the options given – KOH, C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ (sucrose), Cl₂, and CH₃CH₂OH – KOH, or potassium hydroxide, is the compound that forms an electrolyte solution when dissolved in water.

KOH is an ionic compound consisting of potassium (K+) and hydroxide (OH-) ions. Upon dissolving in water, it dissociates completely into these ions, making it a strong electrolyte. On the other hand, sucrose is a molecular compound that dissolves as whole molecules without producing ions, categorizing it as a nonelectrolyte. Cl₂ (chlorine gas) and CH₃CH₂OH (ethyl alcohol) do not form ions in a solution and are also considered nonelectrolytes.

Compounds like NaCl (sodium chloride) are the paradigm of strong electrolytes, dissociating entirely into ions when in solution. Substances like acetic acid (CH₃COOH) that partly dissociate are called weak electrolytes. However, substances like ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH) or sucrose, which dissolve but do not produce ions, are nonelectrolytes and do not conduct electricity.