Question

What are the different types of electrolytes? Give examples for each.

Short answer

Answer: The two main types of electrolytes are strong electrolytes and weak electrolytes. Strong electrolytes completely dissociate into ions when dissolved in water and have high conductivity. Examples include soluble salts like sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium iodide (KI), strong acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H_2SO_4), and strong bases like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). Weak electrolytes partially dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, resulting in lower conductivity. Examples include weak acids like acetic acid (CH_3COOH) and carbonic acid (H_2CO_3), weak bases like ammonia (NH_3) and methylamine (CH_3NH_2), and some salts like silver chloride (AgCl) and lead chloride (PbCl_2).

Step-by-step solution

Define electrolytes

Electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions when dissolved in a solvent, usually water, and can conduct an electric current. They can be classified into two main types: strong electrolytes and weak electrolytes.

Explain strong electrolytes

Strong electrolytes are substances that completely dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, resulting in a high concentration of ions and high conductivity. These substances are highly polar and typically include soluble salts, strong acids, and strong bases.

Provide examples of strong electrolytes

Examples of strong electrolytes are: 1. Soluble salts: Sodium chloride (NaCl), Potassium iodide (KI) 2. Strong acids: Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Sulfuric acid (H_2SO_4) 3. Strong bases: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), Potassium hydroxide (KOH)

Explain weak electrolytes

Weak electrolytes are substances that partially dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, resulting in a lower concentration of ions and lower conductivity compared to strong electrolytes. These substances are less polar and typically include weak acids, weak bases, and some salts.

Provide examples of weak electrolytes

Examples of weak electrolytes are: 1. Weak acids: Acetic acid (CH_3COOH), Carbonic acid (H_2CO_3) 2. Weak bases: Ammonia (NH_3), Methylamine (CH_3NH_2) 3. Some salts: Silver chloride (AgCl), Lead chloride (PbCl_2)