Question 2 Page 25 - Chapter 2 Class 10 - Acids, Bases and Salts

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 ⁺

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