Why acetic acid is a weak electrolyte?

By /

Some readers might be in doubt that why Acetic acid is a weak electrolyte. In this section of the article, we will discuss the same question.

Before moving ahead let us understand the structure of acetic acid.

  • Its chemical formula is CH3COOH, with IUPAC name ethanoic acid and commonly known as Acetic Acid.

  • As the name suggests it comes under acidic compound and specifically in the carboxylic acids. The COOH part in the acid is the carboxylic acid part.
  • This carboxylic acid is responsible for releasing ions (H+) making Acetic Acid an electrolyte.
  • Now in Acetic acid total number of hydrogens is four and out of these four, not all hydrogens are released due to which it does not have high conductivity. And hence Acetic acid is a weak electrolyte.

Q&A 

1. Is koh a weak electrolyte?  

No, it is a strong electrolyte.

2. What is a weak electrolyte?

Weak electrolytes are those solutions or compounds which on higher Concentration has low conductivity and vice versa. 

3. Is nh3 a weak electrolyte?

Yes, ammonia is a weak electrolyte.

4. Is acetic acid a weak electrolyte?

Yes, it is a weak electrolyte.

5. Which is a characteristic of a weak electrolyte?

Characteristics of weak electrolytes are

  • Have low conductivity at higher concentrations.
  • Follows Ostwald Dilution law.
  • They are partially ionized in aqueous solutions.  
  • That is both molecules, as well as ions, are present in it. In their aqueous solution molecules as well as ions both are present.  In their aqueous solution molecules as well as ions both are present. 

Written By: Bharat Awasthi

 

Scroll to Top