Directions: In the following questions, A statement of Assertion (A) ...
Assertion (A): Λm for weak electrolytes shows a sharp increase when the electrolytic solution is diluted.
Reason (R): For weak electrolytes, the degree of dissociation increases with the dilution of the solution.
Explanation:
Introduction:
- Λm represents the molar conductivity of an electrolyte solution, which is a measure of the ability of the solution to conduct electricity.
- The degree of dissociation (α) of an electrolyte is the fraction of the total number of molecules that dissociate into ions when the electrolyte is dissolved in a solvent.
A is true:
- The assertion (A) is true because the molar conductivity (Λm) of weak electrolytes does show a sharp increase when the electrolytic solution is diluted.
- When a weak electrolyte is dissolved in a solvent, only a small fraction of the molecules dissociate into ions.
- As the solution is diluted, the concentration of the ions decreases, and the average distance between ions increases.
- This increase in distance between ions leads to a decrease in the electrostatic forces between them, making it easier for them to move and carry an electric charge.
- As a result, the molar conductivity of the solution increases.
R is true:
- The reason (R) is also true because the degree of dissociation (α) of weak electrolytes increases with the dilution of the solution.
- When a weak electrolyte is dissolved in a solvent, the degree of dissociation is defined as the ratio of the number of moles of dissociated ions to the initial number of moles of the electrolyte.
- When the solution is diluted, the concentration of the electrolyte decreases, and the ratio of the number of moles of dissociated ions to the initial number of moles increases.
- This increase in the degree of dissociation leads to an increase in the number of ions available to conduct electricity, resulting in a higher molar conductivity.
R is the correct explanation of A:
- The reason (R) provides a correct explanation for the assertion (A).
- The increase in the degree of dissociation with dilution of the solution directly leads to an increase in the molar conductivity of the weak electrolyte solution.
- Therefore, both the assertion (A) and the reason (R) are true, and the reason (R) is the correct explanation of the assertion (A).
Therefore, the correct answer is option A.
Directions: In the following questions, A statement of Assertion (A) ...
Weak electrolytes dissociate partially in concentrated solution. On dilution, their degree of dissociation increases hence, their Λm increases sharply.