Question

Assertion: The conductivity of an electrolyte is very low as compared to a metal at room temperature.
Reason: the density of free ions in an electrolyte is much smaller compared to the density of free electrons in metals. Further, ions drift much more slowly, being heavier.
A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion
B) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion
C) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect
D) Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct

Answer 1

Hint Conductivity will depend on the movable charge carriers. The electrolytes have less charge carriers that metals which is why metals have more conductivity. Electrolytes contain ions while metals consist of electrons. Density of ions in electrolyte is less compared to that of electrons in metals. Moreover, electrons move with a greater velocity compared to ions which also contributes for higher conductivity of metals.

Complete step-by-step solution The conductivity of electrolyte is very low as compared to metal at room temperature because of the very small number of free electrons as compared to a metal. Conductivity is dependent on the free charge carriers as these are only responsible for the current flow. So, the assertion is correct. Furthermore, electrons travel at a much faster speed than ionized particles, because they are way lighter than ions.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A

Note
The conductivity of electrolyte can be improved by increasing the concentration of ions in the solution and it also depends on the nature of the electrolyte. It can be improved by increasing the temperature because at higher temperature the electrolytes dissolve to a greater extent which increases the ionic concentration hence, the conductivity is improved.