in electrolysis how is conductivity affected by the molecular mass of the solution
In electrolysis, the conductivity of a solution is affected by various factors, one of which is the molecular mass of the solute. To understand how the molecular mass affects conductivity, we need to first comprehend some fundamental concepts.
Electrolysis is a process that uses an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. It involves the movement of ions in a solution. In a solution, the solute (substance being dissolved) can be either a molecular compound or an ionic compound.
Conductivity is a measure of how well a substance can conduct electricity. It depends on the presence of charged particles (ions) that can move freely in the solution. These ions carry the electric charge, allowing the electric current to flow through the solution.
Now, let's consider how the molecular mass of the solute affects conductivity:
1. Molecular compounds: In a solution of a molecular compound, such as sugar (sucrose), the molecules do not dissociate into ions. Since ions are necessary for conducting electricity, a solution of a non-electrolyte (a molecular compound that does not form ions in solution) would have low conductivity. The molecular mass of the solute, in this case, does not significantly affect conductivity.
2. Ionic compounds: In a solution of an ionic compound, such as table salt (sodium chloride), the compound dissociates into cations (+) and anions (-). These charged particles are free to move and conduct electricity. The concentration of ions in the solution affects its conductivity. Higher concentrations result in more charged particles and better conductivity. The molecular mass of the solute, in this case, indirectly affects conductivity because it determines the molar concentration of ions in the solution.
In summary, in electrolysis, the molecular mass of a solute can have an impact on conductivity. Molecular compounds (non-electrolytes) generally have lower conductivity, while ionic compounds (electrolytes) have higher conductivity. The molecular mass of the solute indirectly affects conductivity in ionic compounds by influencing the concentration of ions in the solution.