What makes electrolyte strong

The simplest battery consists of two electrodes. The figure here illustrates a copper-zinc battery. The left hand is a zinc electrode. The zinc atoms have a tendency to become ions, leaving the electrons behind. In dry cells, the solution is replaced by a paste so that the solution will not leak out of the package.

When solutions of electrolytes are combined, the cations and anions will meet each other. When the ions are indifferent of each other, there is no reaction. However, some cations and anions may form a molecule or solid, and thus the cations and anions change partners.

These are called metathesis reactons, which include:. Redox reactions are also possible between the various ions. In fact, the battery operations involve redox reactions. Skill: Explain ion movement in a solution of electrolytes.

Hint: b. Skill: Apply chemical knowledge to battery setups. A salt solution is usually used, but solutions of acids and bases will be all right. Skill: Distinguish strong and weak electrolytes. Skills to Develop Identify what electrolytes are. Distinguish between strong and weak electrolytes. Strong acids and strong base dissociate completely in solution and therefore are said to be strong electrolytes. An electrolyte by definition is a compound that dissociate completely or partially into its corresponding ions in solution.

A weak electrolyte is a substance that dissociates partially into its corresponding ions in solution such as acetic acid. A non electrolyte is a substance that does not dissociate at all into ions in solution such as sugar. Why are strong acids and bases also strong electrolytes? Therefore, z best represents the solution. Skip to content Chapter Solutions and Colloids. Learning Objectives By the end of this module, you will be able to:. Explain why solutions of HBr in benzene a nonpolar solvent are nonconductive, while solutions in water a polar solvent are conductive.

Consider the solutions presented: a Which of the following sketches best represents the ions in a solution of Fe NO 3 3 aq? Write equations and prepare sketches showing the form in which each of these compounds is present in its respective solution.

What is the expected electrical conductivity of the following solutions? Would you expect a liquid molten ionic compound to be electrically conductive or nonconductive? Previous: Next: Share This Book Share on Twitter. One practical method is outlined below:. None of those? Call it a nonelectrolyte. Note that there are ambiguities here starting in Step 4.