Question
Question: How do strong acid solutions conduct electricity?...
How do strong acid solutions conduct electricity?
Solution
To identify the strength of an acid we should check the ease with which an acid loses its proton. A strong acid will completely dissociate in aqueous solution and loses its proton. Examples of strong acids are- hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid and nitric acid.
Complete answer:
The strong acids conduct electricity because of the existence of ions in the solution. A strong acid completely dissociates itself and releases proton (H+) in the solution. It acts as a charge carrier and conducts electricity.
Let us take an example:
HCl dissociates to give H+ and Cl−
HCl→H++Cl−
The proton (H+) cannot exist alone and hence it combines with water to form hydronium ions.
H++H2O→H3O+
The hydronium ions act as a charge carrier and therefore conduct electricity in water.
Additional information:
Now let us discuss the properties of acids-
-Acids completely ionize in water and releases protons.
-Acids are sour in taste. For examples- lemons, oranges.
-Acids turn blue litmus to red. It changes the colour of acid- base indicators.
-When acid reacts with metals it results in the formation of hydrogen gas.
-Acids have pH less than seven.
Uses of strong acids-
-Sulphuric acid is used in the manufacture of fertilizers and storage batteries.
-Nitric acids are used in the making of dyes and production of explosives.
Note: Electrolytes are defined as the substance which has the ability to produce electrically conducting solutions when dissolved in water. It separates into cations and anions. Strong electrolytes are the substances that completely dissociate in aqueous solution.