Question
Question: Giving reasons state which of the two-a solution of \( HCl \) in water or in toluene is an electroly...
Giving reasons state which of the two-a solution of HCl in water or in toluene is an electrolyte.
Solution
The electrolyte is a chemical substance that can conduct electricity. Water can easily dissociate into ions. Toluene cannot be dissociated into ions whereas water dissociates into ions. The solution in which the ions were dissociated conducts the electricity and the compound known as electrolyte.
Complete answer:
Acids are chemical compounds that can be able to release a hydrogen ion or proton. Hydrochloric acid is an example of strong acid. Hydrochloric acid has the molecular formula of HCl
When hydrochloric acid is added to the water, hydrochloric acid is added to water, it results in the formation of hydronium ions and chloride ions.
Due to the presence of ions, the solution of HCl in water can conduct electricity. Thus, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is known as electrolyte.
Whereas toluene is a non-polar compound it cannot dissociate into ions. Thus, when hydrochloric acid (HCl) is added to toluene, it does not lead to the formation of ions and does not conduct electricity.
Thus, out of the two solutions of HCl in water or in toluene is an electrolyte, HCl present in the solution of HCl in water is considered as an electrolyte.
Note:
The electrolyte is the chemical compound that can be responsible for the conductance of electricity. Electricity can be caused by the flow of electrons; an electron’s movement can be possible from the ions. Thus, the compound which can be dissociated easily is known as a strong electrolyte.