Question

Distinguish between a strong electrolyte, a weak electrolyte, and a nonelectrolyte. How can colligative properties be used to distinguish between them?

Short answer

Substances thatdissociate completely in the solution are strong electrolytes,

whereas the substances which dissociate to a very small extent in the solution

are weak electrolytes. Substances that do not dissociate in the solutionat all

known as nonelectrolytes.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1:

In the solution, every substance behaves differently and dissociates in a different concentration. According to their dissociation ability substances are categorized into strong electrolytes, weak electrolytes, and non-electrolytes.

Step 2:

The colligative properties of the solutions depend on the concentration of the

solute particles. The solution with a strong electrolyte will completely

dissociates and the concentration of solute particles will be more whereas the

solution of weak electrolyte will dissociate less and therefore the concentration

of solute particles is less.