Question

Why is conductivity of dilute $\mathrm{HCl}$ is greater than acetic acid?

Answer 1

1. Conductivity- Conductivity of an electrolyte solution is a measure of its ability to conduct electricity. Dil. $\mathrm{HCl}$ is strong electrolyte while ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}$ (acetic acid) is weak electrolyte.
2 .$\mathrm{HCl}\to {\mathrm{H}}^{+}+{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$ (more ions)
${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}\to {\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{COO}}^{-}+{\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ (less ions)
3. Conductivity depends upon number of ions.

4. conductivity is directly proportional to the number of ions, more number of ions more will be the transfer of current and more will be the conductivity.

5. Dil. $\mathrm{HCl}$ is strong electrolyte while ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}$ (acetic acid) is weak electrolyte. So dil. $\mathrm{HCl}$ will have more ions so it is more conductive than acetic acid.