Among two acids of equal concentration, one has lower pH and higher conductivity. What type of acid is it likely to be?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Strong acid
The relevant concept is the degree of ionisation of acids in water. For equal formal concentrations, a strong acid ionises almost completely and produces a larger concentration of H⁺ ions than a weak acid. The higher H⁺ concentration gives a lower pH, while the greater number of mobile ions generally produces higher electrical conductivity. Thus the described sample is most likely a strong acid, so option B is correct. A weak acid ionises only partially, and the salt or base choices do not fit both observations.
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What is the correct answer to this question?
Strong acid
Why is this the correct answer?
The relevant concept is the degree of ionisation of acids in water. For equal formal concentrations, a strong acid ionises almost completely and produces a larger concentration of H⁺ ions than a weak acid. The higher H⁺ concentration gives a lower pH, while the greater number of mobile ions generally produces higher electrical conductivity. Thus the described sample is most likely a strong acid, so option B is correct. A weak acid ionises only partially, and the salt or base choices do not fit both observations.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
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