Question

A so-called enhanced water contains citric acid (H3C6H5O7), magnesium lactate [Mg(C3H5O3)2], calcium lactate [Ca(C3H5O3)2], and potassium phosphate (K3PO4). Classify each of these compounds as a nonelectrolyte, a weak electrolyte, or a strong electrolyte.

Answer 1

Answer :

Strong electrolyte solutes are, magnesium lactate, calcium lactate and potassium phosphate.

Weak electrolyte solute is, citric acid.

Explanation :

Strong electrolyte : It is defined as the species that can completely dissociates into ions in its aqueous solution.

Weak electrolyte : It is defined as the species that is partially dissociates into ions in its aqueous solution.

Non-electrolyte : It is defined as the species that does not dissociates into ions in its aqueous solution.

Now we have to determine the solute as a strong electrolyte, a weak electrolyte, or a non-electrolyte.

Citric acid : There is a partial dissociation into ions. So, it is a weak electrolyte.

Magnesium lactate, calcium lactate and potassium phosphate : There is a complete dissociation into ions. So, it is a strong electrolyte.