Strong and Weak Electrolytes

Strong Electrolytes

Strong electrolytes are substances that completely dissociate into ions when dissolved in water.

They produce a high concentration of ions in solution and conduct electricity very well.

Examples of Strong Electrolytes

Sodium chloride (NaCl) NaCl $\longrightarrow$ Na$^+$ + Cl$^-$

Calcium chloride (CaCl2) CaCl$_2$ $\longrightarrow$ Ca$^{+2}$ + 2 Cl$^-$

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) NaOH $\longrightarrow$ Na$^+$ + OH$^-$

Sulfuric acid (H$_2$SO$_4$) H$_2$SO$_4$ $\longrightarrow$ 2H$^+$ + SO$_4$$^{-2}$

Weak Electrolytes

Weak electrolytes are substances that partially dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. They produce a low concentration of ions in solution and conduct electricity poorly.

Examples of Weak Electrolytes

Acetic acid (CH$_3$COOH) CH$_3$COOH $\longleftrightarrow$ CH$_3$COO$^-$ + H$^+$

Ammonia (NH$_3$) NH$_3$ + H$_2$O $\longleftrightarrow$ OH$^-$ + NH$_4$$^+$

Carbonic acid (H$_2$CO$_3$) 2H$_2$CO$_3$ + H$_2$O $\longleftrightarrow$ 2CO$_3$$^{-2}$ + 2H$_3$O$^+$

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) HF $\longleftrightarrow$ H$^+$ + F$^-$