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Problems Related to Molar Conductivity

A short note on the problems related to molar conductivity. This note will describe what molar conductivity is and what are the problems one can face regarding it.

The conductivity divided by the molar concentration of any solution is known as molar Conductivity. Generally, this conductivity gets measured by k and the molar concentration by c.

Like another chemical phenomenon, molar conductivity also has some problems. To discuss the problems, it is required to know molar conductivity very well. In short, the SI unit of molar conductivity can help you to understand it better.

The molar conductivity depends on some external factors like the concentration of a given solution, temperature, and some others. So, it is very obvious that it will have some problems induced.

Let’s discuss the problems related to it.

The SI unit of molar conductivity is based on the area and concentration of a given solution. This is as Siemens Meters Squared per Mole or can be written as S m2 mol-1. So, from this, you can understand it will have some factors, and based on those, it will have some problems.

Factors of Molar Conductivity

There are a few factors that can control the molar conductivity of a given solution. As it is completely based on the ions of a given solution, this is one great factor. Besides this, there are factors like the concentration of a given solution. Type of solutions, types of different ions in the solution, and temperature are some other factors.

The Solution’s Concentration

From the unit of molar conductance, you can easily understand that molar conductivity has a great impact based on the concentration of a given solution. If for any reason, the concentration of a given solution will get changed, the conductivity will be changed. So, issues will arise in the experiments, and different readings will come. It will also hamper the experiment.

The Ionic Concentration

The more electrically charged ion will be present in the solution like Na+ or Cl-, the solution will be more conductive. So, to set up a proper experiment, the perfect number of ions is needed in the solution.

Types of Different Ions

There are various ions, which have different powers to transmit charges. Inorganic ions are really good conductors. So, to make a strong conductor you will be needing inorganic ions, and from the SI unit of molar conductivity, it becomes so clear.

Different ions have different abilities to transmit electricity. This is based on their charge, size, and chances to combine with a water molecule. Generally, Heavier ions move slower. Though smaller ions move faster they get attached to water molecules easily and more strongly. After attaching to a water molecule, it becomes heavier and becomes a hydrated ion that moves slowly. So, this hydrated ion can move electricity lower than a heavier one.

K+ is heavier than Li+, but, Li+ attracts and interacts strongly with a water molecule and becomes heavier. It can move only half the electricity of the K+ ion.

Type Of a Given Solution

From the definition of what molar conductivity is, it can be derived that the type of solution has a great impact on the molar conductivity of a given solution. Of course, a solution with a good amount of lightly charged particles will have more conductivity. So, a solution with inorganic salt will have more conductivity. As those salts have highly charged particles and most of them are light.

On the other hand, organic salts don’t have that many charged particles, so these solutions are not so active molar conductors. To get the perfect results of any experiment, you need to take care of the type of a given solution as well.

Temperature

Temperature is relatively a small but important factor of molar Conductivity. Though it doesn’t have any direct connection with the SI unit of molar conductivity, you need to take care of this too. 

In warmer water, ions start moving faster, and as fast as any ion can move, the conductivity of a given solution. For increasing every 1oC temperature, molar conductivity increases by 1.9%. So, it is really important to compensate for the temperature.

You will be needing a particular temperature to get a perfect result. Ideally, molar conductivity gets tested at 25oC. So, you need compensation for the temperature. Although if the temperature has a great difference from 25oC, you cannot depend on the result.

Conclusion

Based on the factors of molar conductivity and the SI unit of molar conductivity, you can easily understand what are the problems you might face regarding this. To get proper results or reading or to experience a perfect experiment, you will need to take care of all those factors. 

By taking care of those factors, it will be easier to eliminate the problems regarding molar conductivity. Getting the ideal type of temperature and solution can make you get out of all the problems and get perfect results.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

What is the SI unit of molar conductivity?

Ans:  Molar conductivity has been unitized as Siemens Meters Squared per Mole...Read full

Which type of solution can conduct electricity better?

Ans:  To be a good conductor, you need more charged light particles. In inorganic salt or solution, the particles a...Read full

How Molar Conductivity Can Be Increased?

Ans: If any solution has more concentration, it will have more conduction power. As concentration will increase, cha...Read full

How Does Temperature Become a Molar Conductivity Factor?

Ans: Conductivity gets increased with temperature. In warmer water, ions move faster and for this reason, the conduc...Read full