Question

Why do acidic solutions conduct electricity?

• A. Due to the presence of water molecules
• B. Due to the presence of free electrons
• C. Due to the presence of ions in the solution
• D. Because acids are solid conductors

Hint:

Remember that electrolytes are substances that produce ions when dissolved in water and conduct electricity. Acids, bases, and salts are electrolytes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the mechanism of electrical conduction in solutions.
Electrical conductivity in a solution requires the presence of mobile charged particles, which are typically ions. These ions can carry an electric current when a voltage is applied across the solution. 
Step 2: Analyze what happens when an acid dissolves in water.
Acids are substances that, when dissolved in water, produce hydrogen ions (\(H^+\)). For example, hydrochloric acid (\(HCl\)) dissociates in water as follows: \[ HCl(g) \xrightarrow{H_2O} H^+(aq) + Cl^-(aq) \] In reality, the \(H^+\) ion exists as a hydronium ion (\(H_3O^+\)) due to its strong interaction with water molecules: \[ H^+(aq) + H_2O(l) \rightarrow H_3O^+(aq) \] So, an acidic solution contains hydronium ions (\(H_3O^+\)) and the anions of the acid (e.g., \(Cl^-\) for hydrochloric acid, \(SO_4^{2-}\) for sulfuric acid). 
Step 3: Evaluate the given options.
 

1. Due to the presence of water molecules:
   While water is the solvent in acidic solutions, water molecules themselves are neutral and do not carry an electric charge. Pure water is a poor conductor of electricity.
2. Due to the presence of free electrons:
   Free electrons are the charge carriers in metals, which are solid conductors. In solutions, the charge carriers are ions, not free electrons.
3. Due to the presence of ions in the solution:
   As explained in 
   Step 2, acids produce ions when dissolved in water. These mobile ions (\(H_3O^+\) and anions) can carry an electric current, making acidic solutions conductive.
    
4. Because acids are solid conductors:
   Most pure acids are not solid conductors. For example, hydrochloric acid is a gas, sulfuric acid is a liquid, and solid acids like citric acid do not conduct electricity well in their solid state. It is when acids are dissolved in water that they form ions and conduct electricity.

Step 4: Conclude why acidic solutions conduct electricity.
Acidic solutions conduct electricity due to the presence of mobile ions (hydronium ions and anions) formed when the acid dissociates in water. These ions act as charge carriers.