Question

which of the following is a strong electrolyte in aqueous solution?
ammonia, nh₃
nitrous acid, hno₂
sucrose, c₁₂h₂₂o₁₁
potassium phosphate, k₃po₄
sulfurous acid, h₂so₃

Explanation:

• Ammonia (\(NH_3\)): It is a weak base. In aqueous solution, it partially ionizes (\(NH_3 + H_2O

ightleftharpoons NH_4^++OH^-\)), so it is a weak electrolyte.

• Nitrous acid (\(HNO_2\)): It is a weak acid. In water, it has partial ionization (\(HNO_2

ightleftharpoons H^++NO_2^-\)), so it is a weak electrolyte.

• Sucrose (\(C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}\)): It is a non - ionic compound. In aqueous solution, it does not ionize into ions. It is a non - electrolyte.
• Potassium phosphate (\(K_3PO_4\)): It is an ionic compound. In aqueous solution, it completely dissociates (\(K_3PO_4 = 3K^++PO_4^{3 -}\)). So it is a strong electrolyte.
• Sulfurous acid (\(H_2SO_3\)): It is a weak acid. In water, it has partial ionization (\(H_2SO_3

ightleftharpoons H^++HSO_3^-\), \(HSO_3^-
ightleftharpoons H^++SO_3^{2 -}\)), so it is a weak electrolyte.

Answer:

potassium phosphate, \(K_3PO_4\)