Question

Write the differences between with examples:
(a) a strong electrolyte and a weak electrolyte.
(b) electrolytic dissociation and ionization.

Answer 1

(a) Strong electrolyte and weak electrolyte:

Strong Electrolyte	Weak Electrolyte
1. It dissociates completely into ions in an aqueous solution.	It dissociates partially into ions in an aqueous solution.
2. Its solution contains maximum free ions.	Its solution contains both free ions and undissociated molecules.
3. The amount of ions present in the solution is very high.	The amount of ions present in the solution is low.
4. It conducts a large amount of electricity.	It conducts a small amount of electricity.
5. Examples of strong electrolytes are HCl, NaOH and NaCl.	Examples of weak electrolytes are ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH,}{NH}_4\mathrm{OH}\mathrm{and}{Na}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3$.

(b) Electrolytic dissociation and ionisation:

Electrolytic Dissociation	Ionisation
1. The process involves the separation of ions from ionic compounds.	This process involves production of cations or anions from molecules that are not in the ionic state originally.
2. Electrovalent compounds undergo electrolytic dissociation. Examples are KCl and NaCl NaCl → Na+ + Cl-	Polar covalent compounds undergo ionisation. Examples are $\mathrm{HCl},{\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3\mathrm{and}{\mathrm{NH}}_4\mathrm{OH}$ $\mathrm{HCl}\stackrel{\mathrm{H}2\mathrm{O}}{\to }{\mathrm{H}}^{+}+{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$