Which statement best distinguishes strong electrolytes from weak electrolytes and gives two examples of each?

Which statement best distinguishes strong electrolytes from weak electrolytes and gives two examples of each?

• A. Strong electrolytes dissociate completely into ions in solution (NaCl, HNO3); Weak electrolytes partially ionize (NH3, CH3COOH).
• B. Strong electrolytes partially ionize (NH3); Weak electrolytes dissociate completely (NaCl, HNO3).
• C. Both types fully ionize in solution.
• D. Neither type ionizes in solution.

Answer: (A)

It’s about how completely a substance ionizes when dissolved in water. Strong electrolytes dissociate completely into ions, giving many charge carriers and high electrical conductivity. Weak electrolytes only partially ionize, so fewer ions are present and the solution conducts electricity poorly. This option correctly states that strong electrolytes dissociate completely into ions in solution, with examples like NaCl and HNO3. It also correctly notes that weak electrolytes partially ionize, with NH3 and CH3COOH as examples. In reality, NaCl splits into Na+ and Cl−, HNO3 splits into H+ and NO3−, while NH3 in water forms some NH4+ and OH− and CH3COOH partially ionizes to CH3COO− and H3O+. The other choices describe ionization behavior that doesn’t match how these substances actually behave (either claiming full ionization for all, partial ionization for substances that strongly ionize, or no ionization at all).

It’s about how completely a substance ionizes when dissolved in water. Strong electrolytes dissociate completely into ions, giving many charge carriers and high electrical conductivity. Weak electrolytes only partially ionize, so fewer ions are present and the solution conducts electricity poorly.

This option correctly states that strong electrolytes dissociate completely into ions in solution, with examples like NaCl and HNO3. It also correctly notes that weak electrolytes partially ionize, with NH3 and CH3COOH as examples. In reality, NaCl splits into Na+ and Cl−, HNO3 splits into H+ and NO3−, while NH3 in water forms some NH4+ and OH− and CH3COOH partially ionizes to CH3COO− and H3O+. The other choices describe ionization behavior that doesn’t match how these substances actually behave (either claiming full ionization for all, partial ionization for substances that strongly ionize, or no ionization at all).