Chapter 9, Problem 4ECE

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The classification of ${\text{HNO}}_2$ as a strong electrolyte, a weak electrolyte, or a nonelectrolyte is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The strong electrolytes are those electrolytes having an aqueous solution as a good conductor of electricity. The electrolytes that ionize completely are known as strong electrolytes. The electrolyte which does not ionize completely and has an aqueous solution as a poor conductor is known as a weak electrolyte.

Answer to Problem 4ECE

Nitrous acid $\left({\text{HNO}}_2\right)$ is a weak electrolyte.

Explanation of Solution

The electrolyte is a species that dissolves in solution and conducts electricity. The electrolytes that ionize completely are known as strong electrolytes. The electrolyte which does not ionize completely and has an aqueous solution as a poor conductor is known as a weak electrolyte. Nonelectrolytes are the species whose aqueous solution is the nonconductor of electricity.

The nitrous acid $\left({\text{HNO}}_2\right)$ is a weak acid. When nitrous acid $\left({\text{HNO}}_2\right)$ is dissolved in water the net ionic reaction is shown below.

${\text{HNO}}_2\left(aq\right)\to {\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)+{\text{NO}}_2^{-}\left(aq\right)$

Nitrous acid $\left({\text{HNO}}_2\right)$ does not completely dissociate into ions so it is a weak electrolyte.

Conclusion

Nitrous acid $\left({\text{HNO}}_2\right)$ is a weak electrolyte.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The major species in the aqueous solution of ${\text{HNO}}_2$ is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

The strong electrolytes are those electrolytes having an aqueous solution as a good conductor of electricity. The electrolytes that ionize completely are known as strong electrolytes. The electrolyte which does not ionize completely and has an aqueous solution as a poor conductor is known as a weak electrolyte.

Answer to Problem 4ECE

The major species in the aqueous solution of ${\text{HNO}}_2$ is ${\text{HNO}}_2\left(aq\right)$.

Explanation of Solution

The electrolyte is a species that dissolves in solution and conducts electricity. The electrolytes that ionize completely are known as strong electrolytes. The electrolyte which does not ionize completely and has an aqueous solution as a poor conductor is known as a weak electrolyte. Nonelectrolytes are the species whose aqueous solution is the nonconductor of electricity.

The compounds which get completely dissolved in water are called major ionic species. The electrolyte or compounds which partially dissolved in water are called minor ionic species.

The nitrous acid $\left({\text{HNO}}_2\right)$ is a weak acid. When nitrous acid $\left({\text{HNO}}_2\right)$ is dissolved in water the net ionic reaction is shown below.

${\text{HNO}}_2\left(aq\right)\to {\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)+{\text{NO}}_2^{-}\left(aq\right)$

Nitrous acid $\left({\text{HNO}}_2\right)$ does not completely dissociate into ions so it is a weak electrolyte.

Therefore, the major species in the solution is ${\text{HNO}}_2\left(aq\right)$.

Conclusion

The major species in the aqueous solution of ${\text{HNO}}_2$ is ${\text{HNO}}_2\left(aq\right)$.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

The minor species in the aqueous solution of ${\text{HNO}}_2$ is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

The strong electrolytes are those electrolytes having an aqueous solution as a good conductor of electricity. The electrolytes that ionize completely are known as strong electrolytes. The electrolyte which does not ionize completely and has an aqueous solution as a poor conductor is known as a weak electrolyte.

Answer to Problem 4ECE

The minor species in the aqueous solution of ${\text{HNO}}_2$ is ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)$ and ${\text{NO}}_2^{-}\left(aq\right)$.

Explanation of Solution

The electrolyte is a species that dissolves in solution and conducts electricity. The electrolytes that ionize completely are known as strong electrolytes. The electrolyte which does not ionize completely and has an aqueous solution as a poor conductor is known as a weak electrolyte. Nonelectrolytes are the species whose aqueous solution is the nonconductor of electricity.

The compounds which get completely dissolved in water are called major ionic species. The electrolyte or compounds which partially dissolved in water are called minor ionic species.

The nitrous acid $\left({\text{HNO}}_2\right)$ is a weak acid. When nitrous acid $\left({\text{HNO}}_2\right)$ is dissolved in water the net ionic reaction is shown below.

${\text{HNO}}_2\left(aq\right)\to {\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)+{\text{NO}}_2^{-}\left(aq\right)$

Nitrous acid $\left({\text{HNO}}_2\right)$ does not completely dissociate into ions so it is a weak electrolyte.

Therefore, the minor species in the solution is ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)$ and ${\text{NO}}_2^{-}\left(aq\right)$.

Conclusion

The minor species in the aqueous solution of ${\text{HNO}}_2$ is ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)$ and ${\text{NO}}_2^{-}\left(aq\right)$.