Chapter 15, Problem 17RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Dissociation of ionic compounds and ionization of molecular compounds have to be distinguished.

Concept Introduction:

An electrolyte refers to an ionic compound that on solvation in polar protic solvents ionizes to yield cationic and anionic species. The free movement of such ionic species results in the conduction of electricity.

Three subcategories exist for electrolyte namely strong electrolyte weak electrolyte and non-electrolyte. The strong electrolytes on dissolution exhibit $100\text{ \%}$ dissociation; The acids such as $\text{HCl}$ , ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{COOH}$, ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}$, ${\text{HNO}}_3$, that have ability to furnish hydronium ions and bases such as $\text{NaOH}$, $\text{KOH}$ ionize fully to yield hydroxide ions are strong electrolytes.

 In contrast, the weak electrolytes or molecular solids are not $100\text{ \%}$ dissociated, theses may include weak acids and bases such as carbonic acid, nitrous acid, boric acid, $\text{HClO}$, ${\text{NH}}_3$.