DEMO|TOPIC 05-THE IONIC THEORY AND ELECTROLYSIS

 

THE IONIC THEORY AND ELECTROLYSIS

ELECTROLYSIS.

Definition: is the decomposition of electrolytes by the passage of an electric current through it.

Electrolyte:

This is the substance which either in solution or in molten state conducts electric current to undergo decomposition due to its passage.

For example; H₂SO₄ - Sulphuric acid

HNO₃ – Nitric acid

NaCl – Sodium chloride

Salts, acids and bases

A non – electrolyte

This is a substance which either in solution or molten state doesn’t conduct an electric current

Example Sugar, ethanol, urea etc.

Types of electrolytes

There are two types of electrolytes

(a) Strong electrolyte

These are electrolytes which ionize completely in solution example H₂SO₄, HCl, NaCl, and

NaOH

b) Weak electrolytes

These are electrolytes which ionize partially in solution. Examples are,

Weak acids such as CH₃COOH, H₂CO₃

Water

Weak bases such NH₃ solution or NH₄OH

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