Which of the following substances would be expected to be the strongest electrolyte (best conductor of electricity) in solution with H2O as the solvent?
1. HF
2. BaF2
3. PCl3
4. CH3OH
To determine the strongest electrolyte, we need to consider the ability of a substance to dissociate into ions in solution. The more ions a substance can produce, the stronger the electrolyte.
1. HF: Hydrogen fluoride is a polar compound. When dissolved in water, it undergoes partial ionization into H+ and F- ions. As a result, it can conduct electricity to a limited extent.
2. BaF2: Barium fluoride is an ionic compound consisting of Ba2+ and F- ions. When it dissolves in water, it completely dissociates into these ions. Being a strong electrolyte, it can conduct electricity effectively.
3. PCl3: Phosphorous trichloride is a covalent compound and does not ionize in water. Therefore, it does not conduct electricity.
4. CH3OH: Methanol is a polar covalent compound. Although it can undergo partial ionization into H+ and CH3O- ions in water, it is a weak electrolyte and does not readily conduct electricity.
Therefore, BaF2 (option 2) would be expected to be the strongest electrolyte (best conductor of electricity) in solution with H2O as the solvent.
To determine which substance would be the strongest electrolyte in solution with H2O as the solvent, we need to consider the nature of the substances. Electrolytes are substances that ionize in solution and conduct electricity.
To find out which substance would dissociate into ions in water and therefore conduct electricity, we can analyze the chemical formulas of each substance:
1. HF (Hydrogen Fluoride): HF is a weak electrolyte. It partially ionizes in water, forming hydrogen ions (H+) and fluoride ions (F-). So, it will conduct electricity but not as efficiently as a strong electrolyte.
2. BaF2 (Barium Fluoride): Barium Fluoride is an ionic compound. It completely dissociates in water, forming barium ions (Ba2+) and fluoride ions (F-). Therefore, it is a strong electrolyte and the strongest among the given options.
3. PCl3 (Phosphorus Trichloride): PCl3 is a covalent compound and does not dissociate into ions in water. Therefore, it does not conduct electricity.
4. CH3OH (Methanol): CH3OH is a covalent compound and does not ionize in water. Thus, it is a non-electrolyte and does not conduct electricity.
In conclusion, the strongest electrolyte in solution with H2O as the solvent from the given options is BaF2 (Barium Fluoride).
Sara? Jan? Whomever?
The ones that ionize 100%.