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Chapter 4: Problem 14

Explain why a solution of \(\mathrm{HCl}\) in benzene does not conduct electricity but in water it does.

Short Answer

Expert verified
HCl in water ionizes into \(H^+\) and \(Cl^-\) ions, enabling electricity conduction. In contrast, in benzene, a non-polar solvent, such ionization does not take place, resulting in a non-conductive solution.

Step by step solution

01

Composition of HCl

HCl, hydrogen chloride, is a strong acid. In solution, strong acids ionize completely to give constituent ions: a proton \(H^+\) and a chloride ion \(Cl^-\). These ions are what allow the solution to conduct electricity.
02

Ionization of HCl in water

When HCl is dissolved in water, a polar solvent, the water molecules facilitate the ionization of HCl into \(H^+\) and \(Cl^-\) ions. The electric field generated by these ions is what allows for electricity conduction.
03

Ionization of HCl in benzene

On the other hand, when HCl is dissolved in benzene, a non-polar solvent, ionization does not occur; the HCl molecules remain whole and no ions are produced. Without ions to create an electric field, the solution does not conduct electricity.

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