Drain Cleaner as a Strong Electrolyte: What You Need to Know

Understanding Strong Electrolyte

If a drain cleaner solution is a strong electrolyte, it means that the solution completely ionizes when dissolved in a solvent like water. This process forms ions that can conduct electricity effectively. Therefore, the presence of a high concentration of ions in the solution enables it to conduct electricity efficiently, making it a strong electrolyte.

The Characteristics of a Strong Electrolyte

Highly Ionized: The fact that a drain cleaner solution is classified as a strong electrolyte indicates that it is highly ionized. This ionization occurs due to the dissociation of the solute into its constituent ions. The high degree of ionization suggests that the solution is effective in conducting electricity.

Reactivity of Drain Cleaner Solution

While a highly ionized drain cleaner solution is powerful in terms of conducting electricity, it does not necessarily mean that it is highly reactive. The reactivity of the solution depends on the nature of the ions present. The ability of the ions to react and dissolve substances that clog drains contributes to the effectiveness of the solution as a cleaning agent.

However, the classification of drain cleaner as a strong electrolyte primarily emphasizes its ionization properties rather than its reactivity. Therefore, while the solution may be efficient in conducting electricity and cleaning drains, its reactivity is determined by the specific ions present in the solution.

if a drain cleaner solution is a strong electrolyte, which of the following must be true? A) Drain cleaner is highly reactive.B) Drain cleaner is slightly reactive.C) Drain cleaner is highly ionized.D) Drain cleaner is slightly ionized.E) none of the above

The correct answer is (C) Drain cleaner is highly ionized, as a strong electrolyte is a substance that ionizes completely in solution. The high degree of ionization suggests that the drain cleaner solution is a powerful cleaning agent, but it does not necessarily imply that the drain cleaner solution is highly reactive, as this depends on the nature of the ions present in the solution.