JAMB - Chemistry (2006 - No. 39)

The solution that will conduct the highest amount of electricity is?
0.5 mol dm-3 of hydrochloric acid
2.0 mol dm-3 of hydrochloric acid
0.5 mol dm-3 ethanoic acid
2.0 mol dm-3 ethanoic acid

Explanation

The correct answer is B. 2.0M of HCl.

Here's why:

- HCl (hydrochloric acid) is a strong acid, which means it completely dissociates in water to produce H\(^+\) ions and Cl\(^-\) ions.

- The concentration of HCl is directly related to its ability to conduct electricity. A higher concentration of HCl means more ions are available to carry electrical charge.

- Between options A and B, the 2.0M HCl solution has a higher concentration of ions, making it a better conductor of electricity.

Ethanoic acid (CH\(_3\)COOH), on the other hand, is a weak acid, which means it only partially dissociates in water. As a result, it produces fewer ions and is a poorer conductor of electricity compared to HCl.

So, even though option D has a higher concentration of ethanoic acid, it still won't conduct as much electricity as the 2.0M HCl solution.

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