Question

The ionization of strong electrolytes in acetic acid compared to that in water is ____________.
A. Weak
B. Strong
C. Medium
D. No ionization

Answer 1

Hint: We have studied that electrolytes are the substances that give ions when dissolved in water. Electrolytes are generally divided into acids, cases, and salts, as they all give ions when dissolved in water. Due to the mobility of charged ions which are named as cations and anions, these solutions can conduct electricity if we apply a voltage.

Complete answer:
> We know that ionization is a process by which the atoms or molecules acquire a negative or positive charge by either gaining or losing electrons. The resulting electrically charged atom or molecule is known as an ion.
> Electrolytes undergo ionization in aqueous solution to form ions.
> Also, we know that strong electrolyte is either a solute or solution that completely dissociates in a solution. Strong electrolytes are also good conductors of electricity. A concentrated solution of this strong electrolyte has a lower vapour pressure than that of water at the same temperature. Strong acids, strong bases and soluble ionic salts that are not weak acids or weak bases are all strong electrolytes.
We know that acetic acid is a weak acid. As it does not dissociate completely in aqueous solution.
> Here, if we try to ionize a strong electrolyte in this weak acid solution the result will be a weak electrolyte. Because the dissolving medium is a weak acid. In case of water the ionization strong electrolyte will be strong because water is neutral.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note: We need to remember that the strong electrolytes are characterized to conduct electricity due to their high dissociation property. But they conduct electricity only in molten state or in aqueous solution. The stronger an electrolyte, the greater the voltage produced when used in a galvanic cell. As we know that galvanic cells required strong electrolytes to operate.