Which statement is correct?Strong bases are good electrolytes because they completely ionize in water.Strong bases are poor electrolytes because they partially ionize in water.Strong bases are poor electrolytes because they completely ionize in water.Strong bases are good electrolytes because they partially ionize in water.
Chemistry · High School · Thu Feb 04 2021
Answered on
The correct statement is: "Strong bases are good electrolytes because they completely ionize in water." This is because strong bases such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) dissociate fully in aqueous solution to release hydroxide ions (OH-) and their respective cations (Na+ or K+). Since the ions are carriers of electric charge, this complete ionization makes strong bases good conductors of electricity, hence they are considered good electrolytes.
Extra: In chemistry, an electrolyte is a substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water. The dissolved electrolyte separates into cations and anions, which disperse uniformly through the solvent. Electrolytes are necessary for the functioning of cells and organs in living organisms.
The concept of strong and weak electrolytes is based on the extent to which a substance ionizes in water. Strong electrolytes completely ionize in solution, meaning that virtually every molecule breaks apart into ions. This full ionization leads to a high concentration of ions, which allows for the easy movement of charges and thus, high electrical conductivity.
In contrast, weak electrolytes only partially ionize in water, producing a relatively low concentration of ions and resulting in a solution with poor electrical conductivity. Examples of weak bases that are weak electrolytes include ammonia (NH3) and its derivatives.
It is important for students to understand that the term "strong" or "weak" does not necessarily refer to the reactivity or the strength of the base or acid itself, but rather to its ability to ionize in water and consequently, its conductivity as an electrolyte. Strong acids, like strong bases, also completely ionize in water and are therefore good electrolytes as well.