Name NURZAWANAH AKMAR BINTI

HASBULLAH
(2017840202)

Course Code CMT555

Title of Experiment EXPERIMENT 4 : CONDUCTANCE OF

AQUEOUS IONS

Lecturer’s Name DR YUSAIRIE BIN MOHD

Instructor’s Name PUAN SABRINA BT M. YAHAYA

Date Of Submission 21 OCTOBER 2019

1
OBJECTIVES

The objective of this experiment is to determine the molar conductivities and limiting molar
conductivities of several electrolytes.

INTRODUCTION

In this experiment, we shall be concerned with electrical conduction through aqueous solutions.
Although water is itself a very poor conductor of electricity, the presence of ionic species in solution
increases the conductance considerably. The conductance of such electrolytic solutions depends on the
concentration of the ions and also on the nature of the ions present (through their charges and mobility).

Conductance behavior as a function of concentration is different for strong and weak electrolytes. In
this experiment, we will study both strong and weak electrolytes, at a number of dilute concentrations.
The acid dissociation constant (also called acidity constant or acid-ionization constant) for a weak
electrolyte will be calculated from the data obtained. Electrolyte solutions obey Ohm's law just as
metallic conductors do. Thus the current, I, passing through a given body of solution is proportional to
the applied potential difference, The resistance, R, of the body of solution in ohms (Ω) is given by R =
V/I. where the potential difference is expressed in volts and the current in amperes.

The conductance, defined as the reciprocal of the resistance, of a homogeneous body of uniform cross
section is proportional to the cross-sectional area A and inversely proportional to the length ℓ: 1 = κ· A
R ℓ where κ is the specific conductance with units Ω-1m-1 (By international agreement, the reciprocal
ohm Ω-1 is now called a Siemens, S=1 Ω-1).

 3 – 100mL volumetric flasks

 1 – 100mL graduated cylinder
 1 – 50mL graduated cylinder
Apparatus:
 5 – 100mL graduated cylinder
 1 – 250mL beaker
 1 Digital Conductivity meter
 Hydrochloric acid
 Acetic acid
Chemicals:
 Sodium acetate
 Sodium chloride

2
PROCEDURE

The following stock solutions was provided :

1. 0.1M sodium chloride (NaCl)
2. 0.1M sodium acetate
3. 0.04M hydrochloric acid
4. 0.02M acetic acid

A. Preparation of Required Solutions

1. Each stock solution provided was used to make three dilution solutions, each 100mL in volume, in
addition, kept about 50mL of the stock solution in a labelled 100mL beaker. All required solution
concentrations were outlined in Table 2.1 (Note: Only one set of solution was prepared at a time – Only
used deionized water, but not tap water).

Table 2.1 Required Solution Concentrations

SET COMPOUND CONCENTRATIONS (M)

1 NaCl 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.10
2 CH3COONa 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.10
3 HCl 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04
4 CH3COOH 0.004, 0.008, 0.01, 0.02

B. Calibration of the Conductivity Probe (repeat steps as required)

1. TA was asked for help if this has not yet been done.
2. As a quick check of the probe, (performed only once) was added about 50mL of deionized water to
a 100mL beaker and about 50mL of tap water to another 100mL beaker. The conductivity measurements
were taken for both solutions. The deionized water reading was equal or very close to the air reading,
while the tap water reading was much different.

C. Conductivity Measurements

1. Once a set of solutions was prepared and the probe was been correctly calibrated, about 50mL of
each diluted solution was added to a labelled 100mL beaker. A 250mL beaker was provided to use a
quick rinse and was prepared with fresh de-ionized water for each set of solutions. For acetic acid: The
deionized water was changed after each measurement.

2. The conductivity probe was dipped into the solution with the lowest electrolyte concentration. Once
the reading was stabilized, the value was recorded in data sheet.

3. The probe was removed from the solution, blot dried, swirled in the de-ionized water bath, blotted
dry again and probe was dipped into the solution having the next highest electrolyte concentration.

4. Step 3 was repeated until the conductivities of all the solutions in a set was been recorded.

5. All glassware was cleaned (beakers, flasks, etc.) and moved on to the next set of solutions.

6. After the conductivities of all 16 solutions ( 4 sets of 4 solutions) had been measured, a final cleaning
was performed of the conductivity probe, and all glassware were returned to the appropriate student
locker.

3
RESULT

NaCl CH3COONa HCl CH3COOH

Conc k (µScm-1) Conc k (µScm-1) Conc k (µScm-1) Conc k
(M) (M) (M) (M) (µScm-
1
)
0.02 2.12 0.02 83.9 0.005 1987.0 0.004 92.4
0.04 4.12 0.04 169.1 0.010 3.82 0.008 113.3
0.08 7.90 0.08 325.0 0.020 7.61 0.010 113.9
0.1 9.97 0.10 406.0 0.040 15.02 0.020 189.3

NOTE: Ktap water = 9.2 mScm⁻¹

Kdeionized water = 88.1 µScm⁻¹

CALCULATIONS

1. Determine ʌ values for all of the solutions that contains a strong electrolyte. The cell
constant, A/l, is equal to 1 cm.

Ʌ for strong electrolytes

𝜅
Formula: Ʌ=
𝐶

A. NaCl

0.02 M = 0.00002 mol/cm3

2.12µScm⁻¹
Ʌ=0.00002 mol/cm3

= 0.106 Scm2 mol⁻¹

At 0.04 M = 0.00004 mol/cm3

4.12µScm⁻¹
Ʌ=0.00004 mol/cm3

= 0.103 Scm2 mol⁻¹

At 0.08 M = 0.00008 mol/cm3

7.90µScm⁻¹
Ʌ=0.00008 mol/cm3

= 0.0998 Scm2 mol⁻¹

4
At 0.1 M = 0.0001 mol/cm3
9.97µScm⁻¹
Ʌ=0.0001 mol/cm3

= 0.0997 Scm2 mol⁻¹

B. CH3COOHNa

At 0.02 M = 0.00002 mol/cm3

83.9𝑚Scm⁻¹
Ʌ=0.00002 mol/cm3

= 4.195 kScm2 mol⁻¹

At 0.04 M = 0.00004 mol/cm3

169.1𝑚Scm⁻¹
Ʌ=
0.00004 mol/cm3

= 4.228 kScm2 mol⁻¹

At 0.08 M = 0.00008 mol/cm3
325𝑚Scm⁻¹
Ʌ=0.00008 mol/cm3

= 4.063 kScm2 mol⁻¹

At 0.1 M = 0.0001 mol/cm3

406 mScm⁻¹
Ʌ=0.0001 mol/cm3

= 4.06 kScm2 mol⁻¹

C. HCl

At 0.005 M = 0.000005 mol/cm3

1987µScm⁻¹
Ʌ=0.000005 mol/cm3

= 397.4 Scm2 mol⁻¹

At 0.01 M = 0.00001 mol/cm3

3.82𝑚Scm⁻¹
Ʌ=0.00001 mol/cm3

= 382 Scm2 mol⁻¹

5
 At 0.02 M = 0.00002 mol/cm3
7.61𝑚Scm⁻¹
Ʌ=0.00002 mol/cm3

= 380.5 Scm2 mol⁻¹

At 0.04 M = 0.00004 mol/cm3

15.02𝑚Scm⁻¹
Ʌ=0.00004 mol/cm3

= 375.5 Scm2 mol⁻¹

2. Plot ʌ vs C1/2 and determine ʌo for all the strong electrolytes.

NaCl: Ʌ vs √C
0.108
0.106
0.106

0.104
Ʌ, Scm2 mol⁻¹

0.102 0.103

0.0997
0.1

y = -0.0022x + 0.1077 0.0998

0.098 R² = 0.90221

0.096

0.094
0.14 0.2 √C, mol/dmᶾ 0.28 0.32

Series 1 Linear (Series 1) Linear (Series 1)

6
 CH3COONa: Ʌ vs √C
4.25
4.228
4.2
4.195
Ʌ, kScm2 mol⁻¹

4.15

4.1

y = -0.057x + 4.279 4.063 4.06

4.05
R² = 0.7048
4

3.95
0.14 0.2 0.28 0.32

√C, mol/dmᶾ

Series 1 Linear (Series 1)

HCl: Ʌ vs √C
500

450
382
400 380.5

350 397.4
Ʌ, Scm2 mol⁻¹

300

250

200

150 y = -118.02x + 586.15

R² = 0.6349
100

50 4.5

0 √C, mol/dmᶾ
0.07 0.1 0.14 0.2

Column1 Linear (Column1)

7
 3. Using the Kohlrausch method, evaluate ʌo for acetic acid.
CH3COOH  CH3COO⁻ + H⁺

Ʌ° CH3COOH = v H⁺λ°H⁺ + v CH3COO⁻λ° CH3COO⁻

= 1(349.6) + 1(40.9)
= 390.5 Scm2 mol⁻¹

4. For each acetic acid solution, determine ʌ, ɑ, and k and present these findings in a table.
Based on the graph, we get the slope of y = mx + c which can be related to Kohlrausch law
which is Ʌ = Ʌ° - ß√C where Ʌ is y, Ʌ° is c(intercept), ß is m(gradient) and √C is value of x.
therefore the Ʌ° for each solution are:
NaCl : 0.1077 Scm2 mol⁻¹
CH3COONa : 4.279 kScm2 mol⁻¹
HCl : 586.15 Scm2 mol⁻¹
A. CH3COOH
CH3COOH CH3COO⁻ + H⁺
Ʌ° CH3COOH = v H⁺λ°H⁺ + v CH3COO⁻λ° CH3COO⁻
= 1(346.6) + 1(40.9)
= 387.5 Scm2 mol⁻¹

Concentration, Concentration Κ (µS Ʌ = κ/C (Scm2 α = Ʌ/Ʌ° Ka = Cα2 /

(M) (mol cm⁻ᶾ) cm⁻¹) mol⁻¹) 1-α
0.004 0.000004 92.4 92.4µ/0.000004 23.1/390.5 1.49 x 10⁻5
= 23.1 = 0.0592
0.008 0.000008 113.3 113.3µ/0.000008 14.6/390.5 1.16 x 10⁻5
= 14.16 = 0.0374
0.01 0.00001 113.9 113.9µ/0.000004 11.39/390.5 8.78 x 10⁻6
= 11.39 = 0.0292
0.02 0.00002 189.3 189.3µ/0.000004 9.47/390.5 1.21 x 10⁻5
= 9.47 = 0.0243

8
DISCUSSION

For this experiment, the molar conductivity is found to vary according to the
concentration. One reason for this variation is that the number of ions in the solution might not
be proportional to the concentration of the electrolyte. For instance, the concentration of ions
in a solution of a weak acid depends on the concentration of the acid in a complicated way, and
doubling the concentration of the acid added does not double the number of ions. Secondly,
because ions interact strongly with one another, the conductivity of a solution is not exactly
proportional to the number of ions present. Their conductance is varied which the strongest
electrolyte which is hydrochloric acid dissociates completely in water while the weak
electrolyte which is acetic acid just partially dissociates in water. Therefore, its conductance is
weaker than the others.

We could see that the high specific conductivity of a strong electrolyte, such as NaCl,
CH3COONa and HCl, when diluted, is shown that the solution is completely separate from its
ions, which make electricity. Nevertheless, the most diluted solutions can differentiate between
soft electrolytes, such as CH3COOH, and ions in about 5.92%. It can only partly distinguish
itself from its ions even in a diluted solution for the weak electrolyte.

From this experiment, we can see that salt such as CH3COONa and NaCl are highly
conductive, as more ions are dissociated when they are solved. The more it is ionized in
solution, the more it is separated into ions, the stronger the dissociation. Increasing the molar
conductivity with dilution as a consequence of the specific conductivity.

The solution conducts electricity through motion of the ions under the effect of an
electric field. At high concentrations, each ion is surrounded by other ions, both positive and
negative. The field affecting any particular ion changes slightly because of these surrounding
ions. At infinite dilution, the distance between nearest neighbor ions is large, and only the effect
of the applied electric field is felt by individual ions. This is the reason for extrapolating the
data to infinite dilution.

CONCLUSION

Throughout the experiment, it can be learned that the solution concentrates at a certain
concentration which affects particular conductivity. As the concentration of the solution
dilutes, the molar conductivity increases. As a strong electrolyte, the solution used will also
affect conductance, since it dissociates entirely from its ions when the solution dissolves,
whereas weak electrolytes offer less conductance as it can dissociate only partially from ions
when the solution dissolves. Next, the molar conductivities of sodium chloride, sodium acetate,
hydrochloric acid and acetic acid are measured and determine successfully based in the given
concentration respectively.

9
QUESTION

1) Compare the conductivity of tap water to that of deionized water. Which has higher
electrical conductivity? Why?

The conductivity of tap water is weaker than that of distilled water. It is due to the fact
that tap water has a small amount of salts dissolved in it (e.g., magnesium, calcium and
sodium) whereas pure water (distilled water) has no electricity conductance.

2) Why did the salt make the water more conductive to electricity?

The chemical formula of salt NaCl. When dissolve it into water it removed an electron
and breakdowns into Na+ and Cl-. These electrons used for more current flow and
increase conductivity of water and will generate more electricity.

3) Why does 0.02 M acetic acid solution have lower electricity conductivity than 0.02 M
HCl?

It is because HCl is a stronger acid, stronger acid will dissociates completely in water
and the ions will conduct electricity higher than acetic acid which is a weak

4) Among all 0.02 M solutions, which one has the highest electrical conductivity? Why?

HCl has the highest electrical conductivity because HCl is a strong acid. Strong acid
has a higher concentration of hydrogen ions compared to weak acids. Strong acids are
fully ionized in a solution however weak acids are partially ionized in a solution. In the
same concentration, HCl has a lower pH than the others. In addition, in a water solution
which is a polar solvent, HCl splits into the ions H+ and Cl- ions. Ions are carrier of
electric charges in solution and therefore give it a high conductivity.

5) The molar conductivity of an aqueous 0.10 M solution of AgNO3 is 109.09Scm2mol-

1 at 298.15K. when this solution is placed in a particular conductance cell, the
resistance of the solution is found to be 35Ω. Compute the specific conductivity of the
AgNO3 solution.

𝑘
ʌ = 1000
𝐶
𝑘
109.09 = 1000 ( )
0.1
𝑘 = 10.909

𝑘
ʌ=
𝑅
10.909
=
35
= 0.31169 𝑆𝑐𝑚2 𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1

10
REFERENCES

1. Siyavula (2015). Electrolytes, Ionization And Conductivity. Physical Sciences Grade 10. Retrieved
from https://www.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-10/reactions-in-aqueous-solution/18-
reactions-in-aqueous-solution-03

2. Duncan A Mac Innes Ph.D. (2003). The conductance of aqueous solutions of electrolytes
Volume 225, Issue 6, June 1938, Pages 661-686. Journal of the Franklin Institute. Retrieved from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016003238909263

3. Theodore Shedlovsky (1934). The Conductance of Aqueous Electrolytes. Journal of The

Electrochemical Society. Retrieved from http://jes.ecsdl.org/content/66/1/165.abstract

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ATTACHMENTS

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