Understanding Electrical Conductivity
Electrical conductivity in solutions depends on the following:
* Number of ions: More ions in solution mean more charge carriers, leading to higher conductivity.
* Charge on the ions: Higher charged ions contribute more to conductivity.
* Mobility of the ions: Ions that move more easily through the solution (smaller size, less interaction with water molecules) will contribute more to conductivity.
Analyzing the Solutions
Let's break down each solution:
* 0.1 M NaCl: Dissolves into Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.
* 0.1 M BaCl₂: Dissolves into Ba²⁺ and 2 Cl⁻ ions (notice the higher charge on the Ba²⁺ ion).
* 0.1 M AlCl₃: Dissolves into Al³⁺ and 3 Cl⁻ ions (again, the higher charge on the Al³⁺ ion).
The Winner: AlCl₃
* Most Ions: AlCl₃ produces the most ions per mole of solute (4 ions total).
* Highest Charge: Al³⁺ carries a +3 charge, contributing significantly to conductivity.
Therefore, 0.1 M AlCl₃ will have the highest electrical conductivity.
Important Note: The actual conductivity will also be influenced by factors like temperature and the solvent's properties. However, in this comparison, focusing on the number and charge of ions gives us a good prediction.
