Chapter 15, Problem 26PE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Equation that shows ionization of hydrocyanic acid in water and whether hydrocyanic acid is regarded as strong electrolyte, its difference with nitric acid ionization along with its ability to act as strong acid has to be identified.

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 has 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 are not $100\text{ \%}$ dissociated, theses may include weak acids and bases such as carbonic acid, nitrous acid, boric acid, $\text{HClO}$, ${\text{NH}}_3$.