Question

Define the following term:

Strong and weak electrolyte

Answer 1

Strong electrolyte:

1. The electrolyte which completely dissociates into its cations and anions in an aqueous solution is called a Strong electrolyte.
2. They have a high concentration of ions in the solution so their electrical conductivity is high.
3. Examples: Hydrochloric acid $\mathrm{HCl},$Sodium chloride$\mathrm{NaCl}$, etc.
4. $\mathrm{NaCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to {\mathrm{Na}}^{+}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)$

Weak Electrolyte:

1. The electrolyte which does not dissociate completely in an aqueous solution is called a Weak electrolyte.
2. They have less concentration of ions in the solution so their electrical conductivity is low.
3. Examples: Ammonium hydroxide ${\mathrm{NH}}_4\mathrm{OH},$ Nitrous acid${\mathrm{HNO}}_2$, etc.
4. ${\mathrm{NH}}_4\mathrm{OH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\rightleftharpoons {\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{OH}}^{-}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)$