In a classic laboratory visual experiment, an electrolytic cell with a lightbulb is used to test sol — Ionic Equilibrium Chemistry Question
Question
In a classic laboratory visual experiment, an electrolytic cell with a lightbulb is used to test solutions. If separate beakers of $0.1 \text{ M } HCl$, $0.1 \text{ M } CH_3COOH$, and $0.1 \text{ M }$ glucose are tested, which visual observations correctly correlate with their ionic equilibrium properties?
💡 Solution & Explanation
A bright visual glow indicates a high concentration of free ions, proving $HCl$ completely dissociates. A dim glow proves the low degree of ionization of the weak acid $CH_3COOH$. No glow proves glucose does not ionize. Statement D is completely false; adding a common ion like $CH_3COONa$ would suppress the ionization of $CH_3COOH$, lowering the $H^+$ concentration, though the bulk $Na^+$ and $CH_3COO^-$ from the salt would actually make the bulb glow brighter (but not because of the acid's ionization).