Explain Arrhenius theory of electrolysis. (2024)

1. Arrhenius theory of electrolysis proposed that when an electrolyte is dissolved in water, it will dissociates into its charged particles i.e. cation and anion.

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$\mathrm{AB}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\rightleftharpoons {\mathrm{A}}_{\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)}^{+}+{\mathrm{B}}_{\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)}^{-}$

Here, Compound AB undergoes electrolysis in aqueous solution will dissociate into ${A^{+}}^{}$and $B^{-}$ ions.

2. In the solution, the ions formed the neutral compound by attaining the equilibrium state between the undissociated molecules and the ions.

3. The charged ions are moving freely in the solution and show electrical conductivity in the electrolytic solution which depends on the number of ions present in the solution.

4. Degree of dissociation shows whether an electrolyte is weak or strong. It is donated by alpha.

$\alpha$ =$\frac{\mathrm{no}.\mathrm{of}\mathrm{moles}\mathrm{dissociated}}{\mathrm{initial}\mathrm{no}.\mathrm{of}\mathrm{moles}}$

5. Strong electrolytes dissociate completely into their ions whereas weak electrolytes dissociate partially.

E.g. $\mathrm{NaCl}$ (sodium chloride) is a strong electrolyte.

${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}$(acetic acid) is a weak electrolyte.