Question

2. Explain why :

(a) anhydrous HCl is a poor conductor while aqueous
HCl is an excellent conductor.

(b) when the stopper of a bottle full of hydrogen chloride
gas is opened there are fumes in the air.
(c) a solution of hydrogen chloride in water turns blue
litmus red, and conducts electricity, while a solution
of the same gas in toluene :
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(i) has no effect on litmus, and
(ii) does not conduct electricity.
(d) thick white fumes are formed when a glass rod dipped
in NH,OH is brought near the mouth of a bottle full
of HCl gas.

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Answer 1

Answer:

(a) Anhydrous HCL is a poor conductor while aqueous hcl is an excellent conductor because HCL is an ionic bond therefore has high electrostatic force of attraction and that is why it is a poor conductor in anhydrous state.

But, when it is in aqueous state the bond breaks and HCL gets dissociated in H+ and CL- ions and therefore is an excellent conductor.

(b) when the stopper of a bottle full of hcl gas is opened there are fumes in the air due to the formation of hydrochloric acid on dissolving in atmosphere water vapour.