Why does an aqueous solution of an acid conduct electricity?

 

Answer:

An acid, when mixed with water forms its aqueous solution. Acids dissociate in water to give out H + ions, which help in conduction of electricity.

For Example: If we dissolve Hydrochloric Acid in Water, it conducts electricity. This is because HCl contains H + Ion (positively charged hydrogen ions or cations) and negatively charged Cl - ions.

They dissociate as follows,

HCl → H + + Cl -

 

These H + ions from acid solutions combine with water to form hydronium ions as follows,

H + + H 2 O → H 3 O +

Acid forms Hydronium Ions in water, which then conduct electricity-01.jpg

These H 3 O + ions conduct electricity (allow current to pass through them). This is how an aqueous solution of an acid conducts electricity.

Bulb glows in an aqueous solution of Acid-01.jpg

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CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo