Is HNO3 a Strong Electrolyte?
Introduction
The claim in question is whether nitric acid (HNO3) is classified as a strong electrolyte. This classification is significant in chemistry, as it pertains to the ability of substances to conduct electricity when dissolved in water. A strong electrolyte is defined as a solute that completely ionizes or dissociates in a solution, resulting in a high concentration of ions that can conduct electric current.
What We Know
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Definition of Strong Electrolytes: Strong electrolytes are substances that completely dissociate into ions in solution, allowing for efficient electrical conductivity. Common examples include strong acids, strong bases, and soluble salts 145.
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HNO3 as a Strong Electrolyte: Multiple sources classify HNO3 as a strong electrolyte. For instance, it is noted that HNO3 almost completely dissociates into H+ and NO3- ions when dissolved in water, making it an effective conductor of electricity 267.
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Comparison with Weak Electrolytes: In contrast to strong electrolytes, weak electrolytes only partially dissociate in solution. HNO3's dissociation is significantly higher than that of weak electrolytes, which retain a portion of their original molecules intact in solution 24.
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Educational Resources: Educational platforms such as Chemistry LibreTexts and various chemistry textbooks affirm that HNO3 is a strong acid and, by extension, a strong electrolyte 69.
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Contradictory Claims: Some sources, such as a Q&A site, erroneously classify HNO3 as a weak electrolyte, claiming it does not fully dissociate in water 8. This assertion contradicts the consensus found in more authoritative chemistry literature.
Analysis
The classification of HNO3 as a strong electrolyte is supported by a variety of credible sources, including educational websites and chemistry textbooks. For example, the Chemistry LibreTexts resource provides a clear explanation of how strong acids like HNO3 fully ionize in aqueous solutions, producing only ions and no undissociated molecules 6.
However, the reliability of the sources must be critically assessed:
- Wikipedia is generally a good starting point for information but can be edited by anyone, which may introduce inaccuracies. It does provide a solid overview of the concept of strong electrolytes 1.
- Pediabay and Answertica are less well-known and may lack the rigorous peer review that more established educational resources have, but they do align with the consensus on HNO3 23.
- The claim from Answers.com that HNO3 is a weak electrolyte is particularly concerning, as it contradicts established scientific understanding and could mislead readers 8.
The methodology behind these classifications typically involves experimental data regarding the degree of ionization of substances in solution. However, the specific studies or data backing these claims are not always cited in the sources, which leaves a gap in the evidence presented.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The evidence supports the classification of nitric acid (HNO3) as a strong electrolyte. Key points include its nearly complete dissociation into H+ and NO3- ions in aqueous solution, as confirmed by multiple credible sources, including educational platforms and chemistry textbooks. This behavior aligns with the definition of strong electrolytes, which are characterized by their ability to fully ionize in solution.
However, it is important to acknowledge that some sources incorrectly classify HNO3 as a weak electrolyte, which could lead to confusion. The reliability of the information varies, and while many sources affirm the strong electrolyte status of HNO3, the absence of specific experimental data in some references limits the robustness of the claims.
Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the context and reliability of sources when assessing scientific claims.
