Chapter 9, Problem 10ECE

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The classification of the compound as a strong electrolyte, a weak electrolyte, or a nonelectrolyte is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

An electrolyte is an ionic compound which conducts electricity by dissociating into negatively and positively charged ions in a solution. They are held in fixed positions. Electrolysis is a process in which electric current is generated due to the movement of ions in solution. A strong electrolyte is a substance which is a good conductor of electricity in the solution, weak electrolyte is a poor conductor of electricity, and nonelectrolyte does not conduct electricity.

Answer to Problem 10ECE

The compound ${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2$ is a weak electrolyte.

Explanation of Solution

The net ionic equation of dissociation of ${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2$ in solution is given below.

${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2\left(\text{aq}\right)\to {\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2{}^{-}\left(\text{aq}\right)+{\text{H}}^{+}\left(\text{aq}\right)$

${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2$, dissociates completely into ions in solution. Thus, generate an electric current in solution due to the movement of ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}$ ions and ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2{}^{-}$ hence, it is a good conductor of electricity.

Therefore, ${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2$ is a weak electrolyte.

Conclusion

The compound ${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2$ is a weak electrolyte.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The major species in solution is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

An electrolyte is an ionic compound which conducts electricity by dissociating into negatively and positively charged ions in a solution. They are held in fixed positions. Electrolysis is a process in which electric current is generated due to the movement of ions in solution. A strong electrolyte is a substance which is a good conductor of electricity in the solution, weak electrolyte is a poor conductor of electricity, and nonelectrolyte does not conduct electricity.

Answer to Problem 10ECE

The major species is ${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2\left(\text{aq}\right)$.

Explanation of Solution

The ionic compound, ${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2$ does not dissociate completely into ions: ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(\text{aq}\right)$ and ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2{}^{-}\left(\text{aq}\right)$.

The net ionic equation of dissociation of ${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2$ in solution is given below.

${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2\left(\text{aq}\right)\to {\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2{}^{-}\left(\text{aq}\right)+{\text{H}}^{+}\left(\text{aq}\right)$

Therefore, ${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2\left(\text{aq}\right)$, will be present more in the solution than its ions.

Conclusion

The major species is ${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2\left(\text{aq}\right)$.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

The minor species in the solution is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

An electrolyte is an ionic compound which conducts electricity by dissociating into negatively and positively charged ions in a solution. They are held in fixed positions. Electrolysis is a process in which electric current is generated due to the movement of ions in solution. A strong electrolyte is a substance which is a good conductor of electricity in the solution, weak electrolyte is a poor conductor of electricity, and nonelectrolyte does not conduct electricity.

Answer to Problem 10ECE

The minor species are ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(\text{aq}\right)$ and ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2{}^{-}\left(\text{aq}\right)$.

Explanation of Solution

The ionic compound, ${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2$ does not dissociates completely into ions: ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(\text{aq}\right)$ and ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2{}^{-}\left(\text{aq}\right)$.

The net ionic equation of dissociation of ${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2$ in solution is given below.

${\text{HC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2\left(\text{aq}\right)\to {\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2{}^{-}\left(\text{aq}\right)+{\text{H}}^{+}\left(\text{aq}\right)$

Thus, after dissociation, ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(\text{aq}\right)$ and ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2{}^{-}\left(\text{aq}\right)$ ions will be present in less quantity in solution.

Conclusion

The minor species are ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(\text{aq}\right)$ and ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2{}^{-}\left(\text{aq}\right)$.