Question

Compounds [A] and [B] are two electrolytes. Upon dilution, the molar conductivity of compound [A] increases 3 times while that of [B] increases 30 times. Which one of the two is a weak electrolyte? Why?

Answer 1

Compound [B] is a weak electrolyte. This is because weak electrolytes are only partially dissociated at higher concentrations, and dilution significantly increases their degree of dissociation (α), creating many more free ions. In contrast, Compound [A] is a strong electrolyte because it is fully dissociated; its small increase in molar conductivity is simply due to reduced interionic attractions, which allow the existing ions to move more freely.