State whether each of the following statements is true or false. Justify your answer in each case. (b) When ammonium nitrate, NH4NO3, dissolves in water, the solution is weakly conducting and basic in nature.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Identify the ions formed when ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) dissolves in water. NH4NO3 dissociates into NH4+ (ammonium ion) and NO3- (nitrate ion).

Step 2: Analyze the nature of the ammonium ion (NH4+). NH4+ is the conjugate acid of NH3 (ammonia), which means it can donate a proton (H+) to water, making the solution slightly acidic.

Step 3: Analyze the nature of the nitrate ion (NO3-). NO3- is the conjugate base of a strong acid (HNO3), which means it does not significantly affect the pH of the solution.

Step 4: Consider the conductivity of the solution. Since NH4NO3 dissociates into ions, the solution will conduct electricity, but the extent of conductivity depends on the concentration of ions.

Step 5: Conclude the nature of the solution. Since NH4+ makes the solution slightly acidic and the solution is conducting due to the presence of ions, the statement that the solution is weakly conducting and basic is false.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Dissociation of Ionic Compounds

When ionic compounds like ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) dissolve in water, they dissociate into their constituent ions (NH4+ and NO3-). This process allows the solution to conduct electricity due to the movement of these charged particles. Understanding this dissociation is crucial for evaluating the conductivity of the solution.

Acid-Base Properties of Ions

The nature of the ions produced upon dissolution affects the acidity or basicity of the solution. Ammonium ion (NH4+) can act as a weak acid, while nitrate ion (NO3-) is neutral. The presence of NH4+ in solution can lead to a slightly acidic environment, contradicting the statement that the solution is basic.

Electrical Conductivity in Solutions

The ability of a solution to conduct electricity depends on the concentration and mobility of ions present. While NH4NO3 does produce ions in solution, its conductivity is considered weak compared to strong electrolytes. This aspect is important for determining the overall conductivity of the solution when ammonium nitrate is dissolved in water.

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