The molar conductivity of a weak electrolyte when plotted against the square root of its concentration, which of the following is expected to be observed?
(A)A small decrease in molar conductivity is observed at infinite dilution.
(B)A small increase in molar conductivity is observed at infinite dilution.
(C)Molar conductivity increases sharply with increase in concentration.
(D)Molar conductivity decreases sharply with increase in concentration.✓ Correct
Answer: (D)
Solution
For a weak electrolyte, molar conductivity Λm tracks the degree of dissociation α through Λm=αΛm∘. As concentration rises, the dissociation equilibrium is pushed back and α falls off steeply (Ostwald's dilution law gives α∝1/c in the weak-dissociation limit). Plotted against c, this produces a curve that drops sharply as concentration increases, quite unlike the gentle, near-linear fall shown by strong electrolytes. Molar conductivity therefore decreases sharply with increasing concentration.
JEE Main · 2025 · 29 Jan 2025 · Shift 1 · Single correct option