Chapter 9, Problem 5ECE

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The classification of $\text{HF}$ as a strong electrolyte, a weak electrolyte, or a nonelectrolyte is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The strong electrolytes are those electrolytes having an aqueous solution as a good conductor of electricity. The electrolytes that ionize completely are known as strong electrolytes. The electrolyte which does not ionize completely and has an aqueous solution as a poor conductor is known as a weak electrolyte.

Answer to Problem 5ECE

Hydrofluoric acid $\left(\text{HF}\right)$ is a weak electrolyte.

Explanation of Solution

The electrolyte is a species that dissolves in solution and conducts electricity. The electrolytes that ionize completely are known as strong electrolytes. The electrolyte which does not ionize completely and has an aqueous solution as a poor conductor is known as a weak electrolyte. Nonelectrolytes are the species whose aqueous solution is the nonconductor of electricity.

The hydrofluoric acid $\left(\text{HF}\right)$ is a strong acid. When hydrofluoric acid $\left(\text{HF}\right)$ is dissolved in water the net ionic reaction is shown below.

$\text{HF}\left(aq\right)\to {\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)+{\text{F}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$

The molecular ion ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)$ and ${\text{F}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$ are heavily hydrated by water molecules so they do not conduct electricity. Therefore, hydrofluoric acid $\left(\text{HF}\right)$ is a weak electrolyte.

Conclusion

Hydrofluoric acid $\left(\text{HF}\right)$ is a weak electrolyte.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The major species in the aqueous solution of $\text{HF}$ is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

The strong electrolytes are those electrolytes having an aqueous solution as a good conductor of electricity. The electrolytes that ionize completely are known as strong electrolytes. The electrolyte which does not ionize completely and has an aqueous solution as a poor conductor is known as a weak electrolyte.

Answer to Problem 5ECE

The major species in the aqueous solution of $\text{HF}$ is $\text{HF}\left(aq\right)$.

Explanation of Solution

The electrolyte is a species that dissolves in solution and conducts electricity. The electrolytes that ionize completely are known as strong electrolytes. The electrolyte which does not ionize completely and has an aqueous solution as a poor conductor is known as a weak electrolyte. Nonelectrolytes are the species whose aqueous solution is the nonconductor of electricity.

The compounds which get completely dissolved in water are called major ionic species. The electrolyte or compounds which partially dissolved in water are called minor ionic species.

The hydrofluoric acid $\left(\text{HF}\right)$ is a strong acid. When hydrofluoric acid $\left(\text{HF}\right)$ is dissolved in water the net ionic reaction is shown below.

$\text{HF}\left(aq\right)\to {\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)+{\text{F}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$

The molecular ion ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)$ and ${\text{F}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$ are heavily hydrated by water molecules. These ions do not conduct electricity so hydrofluoric acid $\left(\text{HF}\right)$ is a weak electrolyte.

Therefore, the major species in the solution is $\text{HF}\left(aq\right)$.

Conclusion

The major species in the aqueous solution of $\text{HF}$ is $\text{HF}\left(aq\right)$.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

The minor species in the aqueous solution of $\text{HF}$ is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

The strong electrolytes are those electrolytes having an aqueous solution as a good conductor of electricity. The electrolytes that ionize completely are known as strong electrolytes. The electrolyte which does not ionize completely and has an aqueous solution as a poor conductor is known as a weak electrolyte.

Answer to Problem 5ECE

The minor species in the aqueous solution of $\text{HF}$ is ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)$ and ${\text{F}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$.

Explanation of Solution

The electrolyte is a species that dissolves in solution and conducts electricity. The electrolytes that ionize completely are known as strong electrolytes. The electrolyte which does not ionize completely and has an aqueous solution as a poor conductor is known as a weak electrolyte. Nonelectrolytes are the species whose aqueous solution is the nonconductor of electricity.

The compounds which get completely dissolved in water are called major ionic species. The electrolyte or compounds which partially dissolved in water are called minor ionic species.

The hydrofluoric acid $\left(\text{HF}\right)$ is a strong acid. When hydrofluoric acid $\left(\text{HF}\right)$ is dissolved in water the net ionic reaction is shown below.

$\text{HF}\left(aq\right)\to {\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)+{\text{F}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$

The molecular ion ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)$ and ${\text{F}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$ are heavily hydrated by water molecules. These ions do not conduct electricity so hydrofluoric acid $\left(\text{HF}\right)$ is a weak electrolyte.

Therefore, the minor species in the solution is ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)$ and ${\text{F}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$.

Conclusion

The minor species in the aqueous solution of $\text{HF}$ is ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)$ and ${\text{F}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$.