Question

The dissociation of a weak electrolyte obeys the law of mass action. It was found by

• A. Ostwald
• B. Arrhenius
• C. Berzelius
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Ostwald

According to Arrhenius theory of electrolyte dissociation, the molecules of an electrolyte in solution are constantly splitting up into ions and the ions are constantly reuniting to form unionized molecules. Therefore, a dynamic equilibrium exists between ions and unionized molecules of the electrolyte in the solution. It was pointed out by Ostwald that like chemical equilibrium, the law of mass action can be applied to such systems also.