Label the compounds listed below as strong electrolytes or weak electrolytes and briefly state your reasoning. I. Al(OH)3 II. MgCl₂ III. HNO3 IV. H3PO4

Chemistry
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Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
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Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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**Label the compounds listed below as strong electrolytes or weak electrolytes and briefly state your reasoning.**

I. Al(OH)₃

II. MgCl₂

III. HNO₃

IV. H₃PO₄

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### Explanation:

This task involves identifying whether each compound acts as a strong or weak electrolyte in an aqueous solution. Electrolytes are substances that dissolve in water to produce a solution that conducts electricity. 

- **Strong Electrolytes**: Dissociate completely into ions in solution, leading to high conductivity.
- **Weak Electrolytes**: Partially dissociate into ions, resulting in lower conductivity.

For example:
- Aluminum hydroxide, Al(OH)₃, is considered a weak electrolyte due to its limited solubility in water.
- Magnesium chloride, MgCl₂, is a strong electrolyte as it fully dissociates into Mg²⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.
- Nitric acid, HNO₃, is a strong electrolyte; it dissociates completely into H⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions.
- Phosphoric acid, H₃PO₄, is classified as a weak electrolyte because it only partially dissociates in water. 

This understanding assists in predicting the behavior of these compounds in various chemical reactions and solutions.
Transcribed Image Text:**Label the compounds listed below as strong electrolytes or weak electrolytes and briefly state your reasoning.** I. Al(OH)₃ II. MgCl₂ III. HNO₃ IV. H₃PO₄ --- ### Explanation: This task involves identifying whether each compound acts as a strong or weak electrolyte in an aqueous solution. Electrolytes are substances that dissolve in water to produce a solution that conducts electricity. - **Strong Electrolytes**: Dissociate completely into ions in solution, leading to high conductivity. - **Weak Electrolytes**: Partially dissociate into ions, resulting in lower conductivity. For example: - Aluminum hydroxide, Al(OH)₃, is considered a weak electrolyte due to its limited solubility in water. - Magnesium chloride, MgCl₂, is a strong electrolyte as it fully dissociates into Mg²⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. - Nitric acid, HNO₃, is a strong electrolyte; it dissociates completely into H⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions. - Phosphoric acid, H₃PO₄, is classified as a weak electrolyte because it only partially dissociates in water. This understanding assists in predicting the behavior of these compounds in various chemical reactions and solutions.
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