Just as solid conducts electricity, similarly liquids conduct electricity

Solutions of acids, bases and salts in water  conduct electricity.

 

What are Electrolytes?

Liquids which conduct Electricity are called Electrolytes

Therefore, solutions of acids, bases and salts in water which conducts electricity are electrolytes

 

Example of Acid Solution

Lemon Juice conducts Electricity

It is because it contains citric acid (acid mixed with water)

 

Example of Base Solution

Solution of Sodium Hydroxide conducts Electricity

It is because sodium hydroxide is a base solution

 

Example of Salt Solution

Tap Water conducts Electricity

It is because tap water has salt in it



What are Strong Electrolytes and Weak Electrolytes

Strong Electrolytes

Those liquids which conduct Electricity very well are called Strong Electrolyte

They conduct more electricity because they have a lot of ions in it

Example

Sulphuric Acid Solution, Hydrochloric Acid Solution, Sodium Hydroxide Solution, Common Salt Solution

 

Weak Electrolytes

Those liquids which conduct Electricity to a less extent are called Weak Electrolyte

They conduct less electricity because they have less ions in it

Example

Vinegar(Acetic Acid), Lemon Juice (Citric Acid Solution). Tap Water, Rain Water

 

Like we see in the figure,

If there is a strong electrolyte, the bulb glows

But if there is a weak electrolyte, the bulb doesn’t glow fully

electrolytic-cell---teachoo.png

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Maninder Singh

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