Aqueous ammonia, NH_3(aq), and acetic acid, HC_2H_3O_2(aq), solutions of equal c

Question

Aqueous ammonia, NH_3(aq), and acetic acid, HC_2H_3O_2(aq), solutions of equal concentrations, conduct electric current equally well (that is, rather poorly). Explain why the addition of one solution to the other results in a substantial increase in electrical conductivity. Explain AND use chemical equations to make your point. Ammonium sulfate and barium hydroxide solutions are each very good conductors. However, when equal volumes of solutions of equal concentrations are mixed, a dramatic decrease in conductivity is observed. Explain AND use chemical equations to make your point. Ordinary tap water has relatively low conductivity. Deionized water has even lower conductivity but isn't considered to be safe to drink for large systems. Certain compounds are added to the water to benefit our health and the effect is an increase in conductance. What are two species found in tap water that benefit our health and how do those species help benefit? Be brief.

Explanation / Answer

1)Ions in the solution are responsible for conductivity. The greater the ionic concentration the more the conductivity. Intially ammonia solution contains NH4+ ions and OH- ions and similarly acetic acid ionises to form CH3COO- and H+. When the two solutions are combined the reaction would go as follows:

NH3(aq)+ CH3COOH(aq) ----> NH4+ + CH3COO- in which acetic acid donates proton to ammonia. Only ammonia and acetic acid dnt form ions well but when mixed ions are formed hence there is increase in electrical conductivity.

2) (NH4)2SO4(aq) + Ba(OH)2 -----> 2NH4OH(aq) + Ba(SO4)(s) . In the reaction we can observe the barium sulphate precipitates by forming solid and no longer exists as independent ions thus decreasing the ion concentration hence the conductivity decreases.

3) Calcium and magnesium salts pesent in tap water are beneficial to health. Ca helps in prevention of osteoporosis, hypertension, insulin resistance etc., whereas Mg helps in prevention of heart diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.