Upon progressive dilution of an aqueous strong electrolytic solution towards infinite dilution, whic — Electrochemistry Chemistry Question
Question
Upon progressive dilution of an aqueous strong electrolytic solution towards infinite dilution, which of the following accurately describes the observed thermodynamic changes in specific conductivity ($\kappa$) and molar conductivity ($\Lambda_m$)?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Specific conductivity ($\kappa$) is the conductance of exactly $1\text{ cm}^3$ of solution. As dilution increases, the number of current-carrying ions per unit volume strictly decreases, so $\kappa$ decreases. Molar conductivity ($\Lambda_m = \kappa \times V$) involves the total volume $V$ containing 1 mole of electrolyte. Because $V$ increases much faster than $\kappa$ decreases, the overall $\Lambda_m$ increases, aided by decreased interionic attractions.