Question

Four different solutions of equal volume (1l) were prepared by

dissolving one mole of each of the following substances. The conduction of

electricity is least in the solution containing.

A. HNO3 B. kCl C. CH3COOH D. HCl

Answer 1

The conduction of electricity (the conductivity $\kappa$ ) by the solution depends on the concentration of charge carriers (ions, $c$ ) and their mobility $\mu$:

$\kappa = \sum_i c_i\mu_i z_iF$,

where $z$ is the change of the ion and $F$ is the Faraday constant. The concentration of ions is the smallest in the solution of CH₃COOH, as it is the weakest electrolyte among HNO₃, KCl, CH₃COOH and HCl. Therefore, the conductivity of the equimolar solution of CH₃COOH will be the smallest.

Answer: C. CH₃COOH