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Chapter 13: Problem 83

\(\mathrm{NH}_{3}(\mathrm{aq})\) conducts electric current only weakly. The same is true for acetic acid, \(\mathrm{HC}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{aq}) .\) When these solutions are mixed, however, the resulting solution conducts electric current very well. Propose an explanation.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The mixture of ammonia and acetic acid solutions conducts electricity strongly due to the reaction between them which forms a salt, \(\mathrm{NH}_4 \mathrm{C}_2 \mathrm{H}_3 \mathrm{O}_2\). This salt is a strong electrolyte, ionizes completely in water, and thus improves the conductivity of the solution.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Weak Electrolytes

\(\mathrm{NH}_{3}(\mathrm{aq})\) and $\mathrm{HC}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{aq})$ are both weak electrolytes. Weak electrolytes ionize partially or not completely in water, meaning they produce a low concentration of ions which are able to move and carry a charge. Hence, the solutions of these compounds in water would only weakly conduct an electric current.
02

Explain the Acid-Base Reaction

When we mix \(\mathrm{NH}_3(aq)\) and \(\mathrm{HC}_2 \mathrm{H}_3 \mathrm{O}_2(aq)\), a chemical reaction takes place. This is an acid-base reaction, where \(\mathrm{NH}_3\) acts as a base and \(\mathrm{HC}_2 \mathrm{H}_3 \mathrm{O}_2\) acts as an acid. As a result, they react to form a salt, \(\mathrm{NH}_4 \mathrm{C}_2 \mathrm{H}_3 \mathrm{O}_2\), and water.
03

Resulting Conductivity

The salt, \(\mathrm{NH}_4 \mathrm{C}_2 \mathrm{H}_3 \mathrm{O}_2\) formed, is a strong electrolyte. It ionizes completely in water to give ions that can freely move and carry charge. Thus, the mixture of the solutions now conducts electricity much better than the individual solutions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A certain brine has \(3.87 \%\) NaCl by mass. A \(75.0 \mathrm{mL}\) sample weighs 76.9 g. How many liters of this solution should be evaporated to dryness to obtain \(725 \mathrm{kg}\) \(\mathrm{NaCl} \)?

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