Which out of the following is a correct equation to show change in molar conductivity with respect to concentration for a weak electrolyte, if the symbols carry their usual meaning :
Solution
<p>The dissociation of a weak electrolyte ($\mathrm{HA}$) in solution can be represented as:</p>
<p>$ \mathrm{HA}(\mathrm{aq}) \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{H}^{+}(\mathrm{aq}) + \mathrm{A}^{-}(\mathrm{aq}) $</p>
<p>The degree of dissociation ($\alpha$) for a weak electrolyte is given by:</p>
<p>$ \alpha = \frac{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}}{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ}} $</p>
<p>Where $\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}$ is the molar conductivity at a given concentration $C$, and $\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ}$ is the molar conductivity at infinite dilution.</p>
<p>The dissociation constant ($K_{\mathrm{a}}$) is described by:</p>
<p>$ K_{\mathrm{a}} = \frac{\alpha^2 C}{1 - \alpha} $</p>
<p>Rewriting this equation in terms of $\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}$ and $\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ}$:</p>
<p>$ K_{\mathrm{a}} = \frac{\left(\frac{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}}{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ}}\right)^2 C}{1 - \frac{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}}{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ}}} $</p>
<p>By multiplying out and simplifying the above expression:</p>
<p>$ \left( \frac{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}}{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ}} \right)^2 C + K_{\mathrm{a}} \left( \frac{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}}{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ}} \right) = K_{\mathrm{a}} $</p>
<p>Substitute $\alpha = \frac{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}}{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ}}$:</p>
<p>$ \left(\frac{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}}{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ}}\right)^2 C + K_{\mathrm{a}} \left(\frac{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}}{\Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ}}\right) - K_{\mathrm{a}} = 0 $</p>
<p>Rewriting by multiplying through by $\left( \Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ} \right)^2$:</p>
<p>$ \Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^2 C + K_{\mathrm{a}} \Lambda_{\mathrm{m}} \Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ} - K_{\mathrm{a}} \left( \Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ} \right)^2 = 0 $</p>
<p>Thus, the correct equation that describes the change in molar conductivity with respect to concentration for a weak electrolyte is given by:</p>
<p>Option D:</p>
<p>$ \Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^2 C - K_{\mathrm{a}} \Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ 2} + K_{\mathrm{a}} \Lambda_{\mathrm{m}} \Lambda_{\mathrm{m}}^{\circ} = 0 $</p>
About this question
Subject: Chemistry · Chapter: Electrochemistry · Topic: Electrochemical Cells
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