OBJECTIVE

To determine the molar conductivity at infinite dilution, (o) of sodium chloride, hydrochloric
acid, sodium acetate, and acetic acid at 25 ℃.

PROCEDURE

1. 0.1 M of NaCl solution was filled in a clean burette.

2. The required volume of 0.1 M NaCl was drained out into each of the volumetric flask and was
top off with deionized water to the calibration mark to prepare solutions of NaCl with the
molarities of 0.05, 0.01, 0.005, 0.001, 0.0005 and 0.0001 M.
3. The digital conductivity meter was calibrated with a conductivity standard of 1413 μS cm-1
or 12.88 mS cm-1 at 25 ℃.
4. The stirring bar and the conductivity probe were rinsed thoroughly with deionized water.
5. The 50 ml beaker was filled with deionized water and the stirring bar was put in the beaker.
6. The beaker then was placed on the magnetic stirrer.
7. The probe was immersed to a depth of approximately 5 cm in the solution and was supported
with a probe holder.
8. The magnetic stirrer was switched on and the electrolytic conductivity (K) of the deionized
water was recorded at 25 ℃.
9. Steps (4) to (8) were repeated with the dilute NaCl solutions. Begin with the NaCl solution of
lowest molarity followed by the next higher molarity.
10. Steps (1) to (9) were repeated for HCl and NaAc solutions.
11. All electrolytic conductivity measurements should be made at 25 ℃. If K values of the
solutions are comparable to that of deionised water, quantities K shall be corrected as (K-KDI
water).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1.Tabulate the results

Concentration Electrolytic
conductivity (k)
(X10-6) at 25o C

NaCl HCl NaAc

0.05M 106.3 1.024 80.26

0.01M 24.37 187.0 17.43

0.005M 12.40 89.58 7.7943

0.001M 2.588 13.15 1.731

0.0005M 1.451 8.169 0.920

0.0001M 0.397 1.690 0.342

2. Determine the ( 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2 𝑚𝑜𝑙−1 ) for each of the strong electrolyte solutions, then plot versus √𝑐
(𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑐 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑐𝑚−3). You may include all the three plots (NaCl, HCl, NaAc) on the same graph
paper or preferably one plot on one graph paper.

i) NaCl

(S cm2mol−1) = KC (S cm2mol−1) = KC
= 106.3 ×10−6S cm−1 = 24.37×10−6S cm−1
0.05×10−3molcm−3 0.01×10−3molcm−3
= 2.126 S cm2mol−1 = 2.437 S cm2mol−1
 (S cm2mol−1) = K/C (S cm2mol−1) = K/C
= 12.40×10−6S cm−1/ = 2.588 × 10−6S cm−1/
0.005×10−3molcm−3 0.001 × 10−3molcm−3
= 2.480 S cm2mol−1 = 2.588 S cm2mol−1

(S cm2mol−1) = K/C (S cm2mol−1) = K/C

=1.451×10−6S cm−1/ = 0.397 ×10−6S cm−1/
0.0005×10−3molcm−3 0.0001× 10−3molcm−3
= 2.902 S cm2mol−1 = 3.970 S cm2mol−1

ii) HCl

(S cm2mol−1) = K/C (S cm2mol−1) = K/C

= 1.024×10−6S cm−1/ =187.0 ×10−6S cm−1/
0.05×10−3molcm−3 0.01×10−3molcm−3
= 0.0205 S cm2mol−1 = 18.70 S cm2mol−1

(S cm2mol−1) = K/C (S cm2mol−1) = K/C

= 89.58×10−6S cm−1 = 13.15×10−6S cm−1/
0.005×10−3molcm−3 0.001×10−3molcm−3
= 17.92 S cm2mol−1 = 13.15 S cm2mol−1

(S cm2mol−1) = K/C (S cm2mol−1) = K/C

=8.169×10−6S cm−1/ = 1.690 ×10−6S cm−1/
0.0005×10−3molcm−3 0.0001×10−3molcm−3
= 16.34 S cm2mol−1 = 16.90 S cm2mol−1
iii) NaAc

(S cm2mol−1) = K/C (S cm2mol1−) = K/C

= 80.26×10−6S cm−1/ = 17.43×10−6S cm−1/
0.05×10−3molcm−3 0.01×10−3molcm−3
= 1.605 S cm2mol−1 = 1.743 S cm2mol−1

(S cm2mol−1) = K/C (S cm2mol−1) = K/C

= 7.794 ×10−6S cm−1/ = 1.731 ×10−6S cm−1/
0.005×10−3molcm−3 0.001×10−3 molcm−3
= 1.559 S cm2mol−1 = 1.731 S cm2mol−1

(S cm2mol−1) = K/C (S cm2mol−1) = K/C

= 0.920 ×10−6S cm−1/ =0.342×10−6S cm−1/
0.0005×10−3molcm−3 0.0001×10−3molcm−3
= 1.840 S cm2mol−1 = 3.420 S cm2mol−1

Table of Λ versus √c

Λ(𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1)
𝑐 (𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝐿 )−1
√𝑐(𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑐𝑚 )
−3

NaCl HCl NaAc

0.05 7.071 × 10−3 2.126 0.0205 1.605

0.01 3.162 × 10−3 2.437 18.70 1.743

0.005 2.236 × 10−3 2.480 17.95 1.559

0.001 1.000 × 10−3 2.588 13.15 1.731

0.0005 0.707 × 10−3 2.902 16.34 1.840

 0.0001 0.316 × 10−3 3.970 16.90 3.420

3. From the linear regressions, determine the value of 0 for each of these solutions.
Λm = k√𝑐 + m0
𝑌 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
From the graph:
● Λ0 (𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙) = 4.000 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1
● Λ0 (𝐻𝐶𝑙) = 15.2 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1
● Λ0 (𝑁𝑎𝐴𝑐) = 3.600 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1

4. Report the standard errors in the 0 values.

● At very low temperature, the equivalent conductivity of weak electrolytes increases

steeply. The 0 values cannot be determined by estimated the 0 to zero concentration.
Kohlrausch’s law helps to calculate the molar conductivities of weak electrolytes (m0 ).
Plus, most of the graph versus √c is negative. So, the standard errors are zero.

5. From the 0 value, determine the value of 0 for acetic acid (HAc).
● Λ0 (𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙) = 4.000 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1
● Λ0 (𝐻𝐶𝑙) = 15.2 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1
● Λ0 (𝑁𝑎𝐴𝑐) = 3.600 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1

Λ0 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐻 = 0 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂− + 0 𝐻+
Λ0 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝑁𝑎 = 0 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂− + 0 𝑁𝑎+
Λ0 𝐻𝐶𝑙 = 0 𝐻+ + 0 𝐶𝑙−
Λ0 𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 = 0 𝑁𝑎+ + 0 𝐶𝑙−

Therefore:
Λ0 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐻 = Λ0 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝑁𝑎 + Λ0 𝐻𝐶𝑙 − Λ0 𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙
= (3.6 + 15.2 − 4.0) 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1
= 14.8 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1

6. Using the table of molar ionic conductivities of electrolyte at infinite dilution in

Aqueous solution at 25 ℃ finds the 0 of NaCl, HCl, NaAc and HAc.

Cations Λ+ 0 (𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1) Anions Λ− 0 (𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1)

H+ 349.6 OH- 199.1

Li+ 38.69 Cl- 76.34

Na+ 50.11 Br- 78.4

K+ 73.50 I- 76.8

Mg2+ 106.12 SO42- 159.6

Ca2+ 119.00 NO3- 71.4

Ba2+ 127.28 CH3COO- 40.9

HCl
c0 𝐻𝐶𝑙 = Λ0 𝐻+ + Λ0 𝐶𝑙−
= (349.6 + 76.34) 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1
= 425.94 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1
NaCl
Λ0 𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 = Λ0 𝑁𝑎+ + Λ0 𝐶𝑙−
= (50.11 + 76.34) 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1
= 126.45 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1
NaAc
Λ0 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝑁𝑎 = Λ0 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂− + Λ0 𝑁𝑎+
= (40.9 + 50.11) 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1
= 91.01 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1
HAc
Λ0 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐻 = Λ0 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂− + Λ0 𝐻+
= (40.9 + 349.6) 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1
= 390.5 𝑆 𝑐𝑚2𝑚𝑜𝑙−1

7. Compare 0, 𝑒𝑥𝑝 with the 0, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦 determined from the standard data. Describe possible
sources for systematic errors and degree of their importance.
DISCUSSION

In this study, we aimed to determine the molar conductivity at infinite dilution (Λ0) for four
different substances: sodium chloride (NaCl), hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium acetate (NaAc),
and acetic acid (HAc) at a temperature of 25 . Initially, we ℃ prepared diluted solutions of NaCl,
HCl, and NaAc with molarities ranging from 0.05 to 0.0001M. Each of these dilutions was
carefully calibrated using a digital conductivity meter to measure the electrolytic conductivity
(K).

The experimental investigation delved into the conductivities of various electrolytes, with a
focus on determining their molar conductivities (𝜆₀). Through spectrophotometry, 𝜆₀ values were
calculated for different electrolytes, including NaCl, HCl, and NaAc, revealing insights into their
respective conductive properties. A negative slope observed in the graph of 𝜆 versus √𝑐
underscored the inverse relationship between conductivity and the square root of concentration,
highlighting the intricate dynamics at play in electrolytic behavior.

The study also shed light on the behavior of weak electrolytes at low temperatures, where the
equivalent conductivity demonstrated a steep increase. However, determining 𝜆₀ values for weak
electrolytes posed challenges, necessitating the application of Kohlrausch’s law to compute their
molar conductivities. This analytical approach provided a deeper understanding of the
conductive characteristics of weak electrolytes and their relationship with temperature variations.

Furthermore, the calculation of percentage errors offered valuable insights into the precision of
the experimental results. High percentage errors, particularly notable in the cases of NaCl, HCl,
NaAc, and HAc, highlighted potential sources of error such as inaccurate readings and
temperature fluctuations. Addressing these systematic errors through meticulous experimental
protocols and rigorous data analysis will be crucial for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of
future conductivity studies.
CONCLUSION

In summary, this experiment aimed to determine the molar conductivity at infinite

dilution (𝜆) for various substances, including sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid, ₀
sodium acetate, and acetic acid. The obtained values for 𝜆 were as follows: 2.9852 ₀𝑆
𝑐𝑚²𝑚𝑜𝑙 ¹ for sodium chloride, 15.8054 ⁻𝑆 𝑐𝑚²𝑚𝑜𝑙 ¹ for hydrochloric acid, 4.3935 ⁻𝑆
𝑐𝑚²𝑚𝑜𝑙 ¹ for sodium acetate, and 17.2147 ⁻𝑆 𝑐𝑚²𝑚𝑜𝑙 ¹ for acetic acid

QUESTIONS

1.When the strong electrolyte, HCl is mixed with the strong electrolyte, NaOH the
resultant solution also test as a strong electrolyte. Explain.

HCl is considered a strong acid because it fully breaks apart when dissolved in water,
resulting in a high concentration of ions in the solution. This abundance of ions allows
HCl to be an effective conductor of electricity, similar to NaOH, which also exhibits
strong electrolytic properties. Consequently, HCl is a proficient conductor of
electrical current.

2. Why is it necessary to use deionized water when testing the conductivity of

aqueous solutions?

The significance of deionized water lies in its ability to prevent the interference of
ions present in regular water, which can have an impact on the outcome of
experiments.

3. Solutions of aqueous ammonia, NH3 (aq), and acetic acid, CH3COOH (aq), of
equal concentrations conduct electric current equally well. Explain why the addition
of one solution to the other results in a substantial increase in electrical conductivity.

Ammonia is categorized as a mild base, whereas acetic acid falls under the category
of weak acids. The presence of ions in a solution is the key factor behind its
conductivity. Consequently, higher concentrations of ions result in increased
conductivity. When ammonia and acetic acid are combined, they mutually assist in
their dissociation into ions. In this process, the acetic acid molecule contributes one
electron to ammonia, enhancing its ability to conduct electricity effectively.
4. Ammonium sulfate and barium hydroxide solutions are each very good conductors.
However, when equal volumes of the solutions and of equal concentrations are mixed,
a dramatic decrease in conductivity is observed. Explain.

This occurs because an effective conductor possesses a high density of ions. When the
concentration of ions decreases, conductivity also decreases because there are fewer
ions available per unit volume to carry the electrical current in a solution. Conversely,
when the solution's concentration increases, there are more charge-carrying ions,
resulting in increased conductivity. However, as the ions become closer together due
to the higher concentration, they start to interact with each other, causing them to
move more slowly. Consequently, the conductivity per mole of ions decreases

REFERENCES

Mellisa Conrad Stoppler, M. (2019, December 24). Electrolytes. Retrieved from MedicineNet:
https://www.medicinenet.com/electrolytes/article.htm

Vutturi, A. V. (2011, January 6). KOHLRAUSCH LAW OF INDEPENDENT MIGRATION OF

IONS. Retrieved from AdiChemistry:
https://www.adichemistry.com/physical/electrochemistry/kohlrausch-law.html