The molar conductivity of KCl solutions at different concentrations at 298 K are given below:
| c / mol L−1 | Λm / S cm2 mol−1 |
|---|---|
| 0.000198 | 148.61 |
| 0.000309 | 148.29 |
| 0.000521 | 147.81 |
| 0.000989 | 147.09 |
Show that a plot between Λm and c1/2 is a straight line. Determine the values of Λm0 and A for KCl.
Concept understanding — Molar Conductivity
From Resistance to Conductance: Flipping the Idea
You already know resistance (R) — it tells you how much a material opposes the flow of current. A high resistance means the wire fights the current; a low resistance means it lets current through easily.
Now flip that thought. Instead of asking "how much does it resist?", ask "how easily does it let current flow?" That's exactly what conductance measures.
Conductance (G) is the reciprocal of resistance:
G=R1
Unit: siemens (S) — named after Werner von Siemens. 1 S = 1 A/V (ampere per volt).
If a wire has R=10 Ω, its conductance is G=0.1 S. If R=0.5 Ω, G=2 S — it conducts twice as well.
Ohm's Law in Conductance Form
You know V=IR. Rearranging:
I=RV=GV
So current = conductance × voltage. A high-conductance material draws a large current for the same voltage — it's a "good conductor."
Now, Conductivity: The Material's Intrinsic Property
Resistance depends on two things: the material itself (its "resistivity" ρ) and the geometry (length L, cross-sectional area A):
R=ρAL
Conductance also depends on geometry. A thicker wire (larger A) or a shorter wire (smaller L) has higher conductance. To isolate the material's inherent ability to conduct, we define conductivity (σ):
σ=ρ1
And for a uniform wire:
G=σLA
Conductivity is the reciprocal of resistivity. It tells you how well the material itself conducts, independent of shape and size.
- Unit: siemens per metre (S/m).
- High σ → good conductor (copper: ≈5.8×107 S/m).
- Low σ → poor conductor / insulator (glass: ≈10−12 S/m).
Don't confuse conductance (property of a specific object, depends on geometry) with conductivity (property of the material, independent of geometry). A short thick copper wire has high conductance; a long thin copper wire has lower conductance — but both have the same conductivity.
The Big Picture in One Table
| Quantity | Symbol | Definition | Depends on | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resistance | R | V/I | Material + geometry | Ω |
| Resistivity | ρ | RA/L | Material only | Ω⋅m |
| Conductance | G | 1/R | Material + geometry | S |
| Conductivity | σ | 1/ρ | Material only | S/m |
Intuitive Analogy
Think of a water pipe:
- Resistance = how hard it is to push water through (narrow, long pipe).
- Conductance = how easily water flows (wide, short pipe).
- Resistivity = the "roughness" of the pipe's inner surface (material property).
- Conductivity = the "smoothness" of the pipe's inner surface (material property).
A copper pipe is smooth (high conductivity). A rubber hose is rough (low conductivity). But a short, fat rubber hose might still have decent conductance — because geometry can compensate for poor material.
Key Takeaway for Exams
- G=R1 and σ=ρ1.
- G=σLA for a uniform conductor.
- Conductivity is an intrinsic material property; conductance is an extrinsic property of a specific object.
- In circuits, you'll often use conductance when dealing with parallel resistors (total conductance = sum of individual conductances).
You now have the complete picture: from resistance to conductance, from resistivity to conductivity — and the clean relationship between them.
Molar conductivity is a quantitative cornerstone of the NCERT/CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Electrochemistry chapter, and ‘molar conductivity formula’ or ‘molar conductivity vs concentration’ are recurring important-question types in board exams as well as JEE Main and NEET chemistry. This concept also sets up Kohlrausch's law, a common follow-on topic in the same unit.
Why this formula?
Conductance and Conductivity: Why the Formulas Hold
Let's build this from first principles — understanding the why before the what.
1. The Core Idea: How Easily Does Current Flow?
Think of a conductor (like a copper wire). When you apply a voltage across it, electrons drift through the material. Two questions arise:
- How much current flows for a given voltage? → This is conductance (G).
- How well does the material itself allow current? → This is conductivity (σ).
The key distinction: Conductance depends on the size and shape of the object. Conductivity is an intrinsic property of the material.
2. Ohm's Law in Terms of Conductance
You know Ohm's law:
V=IR
But we can rewrite it as:
I=RV
Define conductance G as the reciprocal of resistance:
G=R1
So:
I=GV
Why this makes sense:
- A larger G means more current for the same voltage — the conductor "conducts" better.
- G has units of siemens (S) = A/V.
3. From Resistance to Conductivity: The Geometry Factor
Resistance of a uniform conductor depends on:
- Length L (longer → more resistance)
- Cross-sectional area A (thicker → less resistance)
- Material property ρ (resistivity)
The formula:
R=ρAL
Now, conductivity σ is the reciprocal of resistivity:
σ=ρ1
So:
R=σ1⋅AL
Why this form?
- If you double the length, electrons have to travel twice as far, colliding more → resistance doubles.
- If you double the area, there's twice as many "lanes" for electrons → resistance halves.
4. The Key Formula: Conductance in Terms of Conductivity
Since G=1/R, we get:
G=σLA
This is the central relationship. Let's see why it holds:
- σ tells you how well the material conducts (intrinsic).
- A/L tells you how the geometry amplifies or reduces that.
Intuition:
- A fat, short wire (A large, L small) has high conductance.
- A thin, long wire (A small, L large) has low conductance.
- A material with high σ (like copper) gives higher G than one with low σ (like iron), for the same shape.
5. Microscopic Derivation (Why σ Exists)
At the microscopic level, conductivity arises from electron motion:
σ=neμ
Where:
- n = number of free electrons per unit volume
- e = electron charge
- μ = electron mobility (how fast they drift per unit electric field)
Why this works:
- More free electrons (n large) → more charge carriers → higher conductivity.
- Higher mobility (μ large) → electrons move faster for the same push → higher conductivity.
This explains why metals (high n) are good conductors, and why heating reduces σ (more collisions → lower μ).
6. Summary: The Logical Chain
| Step | Concept | Formula | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohm's law | V=IR | Voltage drives current against resistance |
| 2 | Conductance | G=1/R | Measures ease of flow |
| 3 | Resistivity | R=ρL/A | Geometry + material |
| 4 | Conductivity | σ=1/ρ | Material's intrinsic ability |
| 5 | Key result | G=σLA | Combines material + geometry |
Final takeaway:
Conductance G is not just a number — it's the product of how good the material is (σ) and how the shape helps (A/L). This is why a thick copper wire conducts far better than a thin iron wire of the same length.
Concept: Molar Conductivity — For strong electrolytes, Kohlrausch's law states Λm=Λm0−Ac, so a plot of Λm vs c should be linear.
Step 1: Compute c for each concentration
| c (mol L⁻¹) | c (mol¹/² L⁻¹/²) | Λm (S cm² mol⁻¹) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.000198 | 0.01407 | 148.61 |
| 0.000309 | 0.01758 | 148.29 |
| 0.000521 | 0.02283 | 147.81 |
| 0.000989 | 0.03145 | 147.09 |
Step 2: Check linearity — Λm decreases uniformly as c increases, confirming a straight-line relationship (as c rises, Λm falls; equivalently Λm increases on dilution).
Step 3: Determine A (slope) and Λm0 (intercept)
Slope =−A=0.03145−0.01407147.09−148.61=0.01738−1.52≈−87.46
So A=87.46 S cm2mol−1/(mol L−1)1/2.
Extending the straight line to c=0, the graphical intercept read from the plot is Λm0=150.0 S cm2mol−1.
The plot of Λm vs c is a straight line; from it, Λm0=150.0 S cm2mol−1 and A=87.46 S cm2mol−1/(mol L−1)1/2 for KCl at 298 K.
NCERT reads Λm0=150.0 from its graphical extrapolation. A full least-squares fit of the four data points gives Λm0≈149.8 S cm2mol−1 and A≈87.5 — essentially identical; the small difference is only graphical rounding of the intercept.
For strong electrolytes like KCl, molar conductivity varies linearly with the square root of concentration (Kohlrausch's law). Plotting Λm vs c1/2 gives a straight line; the book reads its intercept as Λm0=150.0 S cm2 mol−1 and its slope gives A=87.46 S cm2 mol−1 (mol L−1)−1/2.
The key idea here is Kohlrausch's law of independent migration of ions. For strong electrolytes, as you dilute the solution, ions move more freely because interionic attractions weaken. The molar conductivity Λm therefore increases on dilution — and, plotted against the square root of concentration, it decreases linearly as c rises. This linear relationship is the hallmark of a strong electrolyte.
Why c? Because the Debye–Hückel theory shows that the ionic atmosphere dragging on a moving ion has a radius proportional to 1/c. So the retarding effect scales with c, and conductivity rises as c falls.
The equation is:
Λm=Λm0−Ac
where Λm0 is the limiting molar conductivity (at infinite dilution) and A is a constant for the electrolyte.
Let's test this with the given data.
-
Convert the data to c values.
c (mol L⁻¹) c (mol L⁻¹)1/2 Λm (S cm² mol⁻¹) 0.000198 0.01407 148.61 0.000309 0.01758 148.29 0.000521 0.02283 147.81 0.000989 0.03145 147.09 -
Plot Λm against c.
The points fall on a straight line: as c increases, Λm decreases linearly. This confirms Kohlrausch's law for KCl.
-
Find A (slope magnitude).
The slope of the line is −A:
slope=0.03145−0.01407147.09−148.61=0.01738−1.52=−87.46 S cm2 mol−1 (mol L−1)−1/2
So A=87.46 S cm2 mol−1 (mol L−1)−1/2.
- Find Λm0 (the intercept). Extending the straight line to c=0 (infinite dilution), NCERT reads the intercept from the graph as:
Λm0=150.0 S cm2 mol−1
You don't need to draw the graph perfectly in an exam — just show that the points satisfy a linear relation by computing the slope between successive pairs. If the slopes are nearly constant, the plot is a straight line.
A common mistake is to plot Λm against c instead of c. That curve is not linear — it bends. Always use c for strong electrolytes.
NCERT reads Λm0=150.0 from its graphical extrapolation. If you instead fit the four points algebraically (least squares, or point-slope from the first point: 148.61+87.46×0.01407=149.84), you get Λm0≈149.8 S cm2 mol−1 and A≈87.5 — essentially identical to the printed values; the difference is only graphical rounding of the intercept.
The plot of Λm vs c1/2 is a straight line, giving Λm0=150.0 S cm2 mol−1 and A=87.46 S cm2 mol−1 (mol L−1)−1/2 for KCl at 298 K.
Method: Kohlrausch's Law (Empirical Debye–Hückel–Onsager Plot)
Kohlrausch observed that for strong electrolytes, molar conductivity varies linearly with the square root of concentration at low concentrations:
Λm=Λm0−Ac
Here:
- Λm0 = limiting molar conductivity (intercept)
- A = Kohlrausch constant (magnitude of the slope; the slope of the line is −A)
Steps
Step 1: Compute c for each concentration
| c (mol L⁻¹) | c (mol L⁻¹)^(1/2) | Λm (S cm² mol⁻¹) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.000198 | 0.01407 | 148.61 |
| 0.000309 | 0.01758 | 148.29 |
| 0.000521 | 0.02283 | 147.81 |
| 0.000989 | 0.03145 | 147.09 |
Step 2: Plot Λm vs c
Put c on the x-axis and Λm on the y-axis. The points fall on a straight line with negative slope.
Step 3: Determine A (slope)
Take two well-separated points:
- Point 1: (0.01407, 148.61)
- Point 2: (0.03145, 147.09)
slope=0.03145−0.01407147.09−148.61=0.01738−1.52≈−87.46
Since Λm=Λm0−Ac, the constant is:
A=87.46 S cm2mol−1(mol L−1)−1/2
Step 4: Determine Λm0 (intercept)
Extend the line to c=0. NCERT reads the intercept from the graph as:
Λm0=150.0 S cm2mol−1
Final Result
- Method: Kohlrausch's empirical law (linear Λm vs c plot)
- Λm0 = 150.0 S cm² mol⁻¹
- A = 87.46 S cm² mol⁻¹ (mol L⁻¹)^(−1/2)
The straight-line nature confirms KCl behaves as a strong electrolyte at these dilutions.
NCERT reads Λm0=150.0 graphically. A least-squares fit of the four points gives Λm0≈149.8 and A≈87.5 — essentially the same; the difference is only graphical rounding of the intercept.
1. ✗ Mistake: Forgetting to convert concentration units
Students often take c directly in mol L−1 and then compute c1/2 without realising that the Kohlrausch law uses c in mol L−1 — but the square root is fine as given.
The real trap: they forget that Λm is already in S cm2 mol−1 and try to convert it unnecessarily.
✓ How to avoid:
- Check units at the start. Here, both c and Λm are given in standard units.
- Only convert if the problem explicitly asks for SI units (e.g., S m2 mol−1). For this problem, use as given.
2. ✗ Mistake: Plotting Λm vs c instead of Λm vs c1/2
This is the most common error. The Kohlrausch law is:
Λm=Λm0−Ac
So the x-axis must be c, not c.
✓ How to avoid:
- Always write the law first before plotting.
- Compute a new column: c for each concentration.
- Plot Λm on y-axis, c on x-axis.
3. ✗ Mistake: Errors in calculating c
Students sometimes:
- Take square root of the number without the unit.
- Miscalculate powers of 10 (e.g., 0.000198=0.01407, not 0.1407).
✓ How to avoid:
- Use scientific notation: 0.000198=1.98×10−4 Then c=1.98×10−2≈1.407×10−2
- Double-check each value with a calculator.
4. ✗ Mistake: Drawing a rough freehand graph and guessing intercept/slope
Students often sketch a line by eye and read Λm0 from the y-intercept inaccurately.
✓ How to avoid:
- Use graph paper or plotting software.
- Draw the best-fit straight line (not just connecting dots).
- Read Λm0 as the y-intercept (where c=0).
- Read slope =−A from two far-apart points on the line.
5. ✗ Mistake: Confusing A with the slope directly
The Kohlrausch law is:
Λm=Λm0−Ac
So the slope of the line = −A. Students often take slope = A and get sign wrong.
✓ How to avoid:
- Write the equation in y = mx + c form:
- y=Λm
- x=c
- m=−A
- c=Λm0
- So if slope =−50, then A=50.
6. ✗ Mistake: Forgetting units for Λm0 and A
Students report Λm0=150 without units, or give A in wrong units.
✓ How to avoid:
- Λm0 has same units as Λm: S cm2 mol−1
- A has units: S cm2 mol−1⋅(mol L−1)−1/2 (Often written as S cm2 mol−1⋅L1/2 mol−1/2)
7. ✗ Mistake: Not checking linearity properly
Students assume the plot is a straight line without verifying.
✓ How to avoid:
- After plotting, check if points lie close to a straight line.
- For strong electrolytes like KCl, it should be linear at low concentrations.
- If one point deviates, recheck calculation of c for that point.
Quick Summary Table
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Plotting Λm vs c | Always plot vs c |
| Wrong c values | Use scientific notation, double-check |
| Freehand inaccurate graph | Use graph paper / software, best-fit line |
| Slope = A (wrong sign) | Slope = −A |
| No units for Λm0, A | Always attach correct units |
| Not checking linearity | Verify points lie on a line |
Final tip: Before you start, write the Kohlrausch law clearly. Then compute c, plot, find intercept (Λm0) and slope (−A). This structured approach eliminates most errors.
Showing the 12 most recent of 19 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-AN1 markMCQQ.The conductivity of 0.001 M acetic acid is 5×10−5 S cm−1. If the molar conductivity of acetic acid solution at infinite dilution is 390 S cm2 mol−1. What is its degree of dissociation? (A) 0.218 (B) 0.128 (C) 0.138 (D) 0.238
›Reveal solutionSolution
Molar conductivity at 0.001 M works out to 50 S cm² mol⁻¹; dividing by the limiting value 390 gives the degree of dissociation, 0.128.
Concept and Intuition
For a weak electrolyte, the degree of dissociation can be estimated (Arrhenius) as the ratio of the molar conductivity at the given concentration to the molar conductivity at infinite dilution: α=Λm/Λm∘. This works because Λm∘ represents complete dissociation, so the ratio directly measures what fraction has actually dissociated.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Convert κ to Λm: Λm=C(mol/L)κ×1000.
- Λm=0.0015×10−5×1000=10−35×10−2=50 S cm2 mol−1.
- α=Λm∘Λm=39050≈0.128.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the ×1000 conversion factor between κ (per cm³) and Λm (per litre-based concentration).
- Dividing the concentration incorrectly (using 0.001 mol/cm³ instead of mol/L).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 0.128.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-AN1 markMCQQ.The molar conductivity of three electrolytes, NaCl, KCl and CsCl, was plotted against c (c = concentration) and the obtained figure is shown below. The λ0 of Na+,K+ and Cs+ is 50, 73 and 77 S cm2mol−1 respectively. Identify the electrolytes y-axis = Λm (in S2cm2mol−1); x-axis = c [FIGURE] (A) A = KCl ; B = CsCl ; C = NaCl (B) A = KCl ; B = NaCl ; C = CsCl (C) A = CsCl ; B = NaCl ; C = KCl (D) A = NaCl ; B = KCl ; C = CsCl
›Reveal solutionSolution
KCl and CsCl are the two close top curves (A and C), NaCl is the lower separate curve (B): option (B).
Concept and Intuition
For a strong electrolyte, Λm=Λm0−bc, so the intercept at c→0 is the limiting molar conductivity Λm0=λ+0+λ−0. Because Cl− is shared, the curves are ordered purely by cation conductivity.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Take λ0(Cl−)≈76 Scm2mol−1.
- Λm0(NaCl)=50+76=126; Λm0(KCl)=73+76=149; Λm0(CsCl)=77+76=153.
- KCl (149) and CsCl (153) differ by only ∼4, so their lines nearly coincide — these are the overlapping pair ending at the adjacent points A and C.
- NaCl (126) is far lower/apart from the pair — it is the distinct line ending at B.
- Within the close pair, the slightly higher curve (C, above) is the larger Λm0 = CsCl; the slightly lower (A) = KCl.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting that Cl− is common, and trying to order by anion.
- Pairing NaCl with a high-conductivity salt: NaCl's low Na+ value makes it the clearly separated line.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — A = KCl ; B = NaCl ; C = CsCl.
ANSWER: B
NoteThis solution was worked out by our team and cross-checked by a second independent solve. The official answer key for this question could not be confirmed, so please cross-verify with the official paper where possible.
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.The resistance of a conductivity cell filled with 0.02 M KCl solution is 85 Ω at 25°C. Conductivity of this solution is 0.3 S m−1. Resistance of 0.0025 M K2SO4 solution taken in the same cell is 300 Ω. The molar conductivity of 0.0025 M K2SO4 solution (in S m2 mol−1) is (A) 6.8×10−3 (B) 2.4×10−2 (C) 3.4×10−2 (D) 3.4×10−3
›Reveal solutionSolution
Use the KCl data to find the cell constant, then use that fixed cell constant to get the conductivity — and hence molar conductivity — of the K2SO4 solution. The answer is 3.4×10−2 S m² mol⁻¹.
Concept and Intuition
A conductivity cell's geometry fixes a constant, the cell constant G∗=κ×R, which is the same for any solution measured in that same cell. Once G∗ is known from one calibrating solution (here KCl), it can be used to convert any other measured resistance directly into that solution's conductivity, from which molar conductivity follows by dividing by molar concentration.
Step-by-Step Solution
- From the KCl data: G∗=κ×R=0.3 S/m×85 Ω=25.5 m−1.
- This same G∗ applies to the K2SO4 measurement in the same cell: κK2SO4=RG∗=30025.5=0.085 S/m.
- Convert concentration to SI (mol/m³): 0.0025 mol/L=2.5 mol/m3.
- Molar conductivity: Λm=Cκ=2.50.085=0.034 S m2 mol−1=3.4×10−2 S m2 mol−1.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to convert mol/L to mol/m³ (a factor of 1000), which throws off the final power of ten.
- Re-using the KCl conductivity value directly for K2SO4 instead of recomputing it via the cell constant.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 3.4×10−2.
ANSWER: C
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.The Λm (on y-axis) of NaCl and CsCl was plotted against c (c = concentration on x-axis). Identify the correct figure for these electrolytes (λ0 of Na+ and Cs+ is 50 and 77 S cm2 mol−1 respectively) (A) [FIGURE] (two straight lines rising from near the origin toward the upper right; the CsCl line lies above and is offset from the NaCl line, both with positive slope) (B) [FIGURE] (two straight lines falling from upper left to lower right with negative slope; the CsCl line lies above the NaCl line, both roughly parallel) (C) [FIGURE] (two horizontal straight lines, constant with c; the NaCl line lies above the CsCl line) (D) [FIGURE] (two straight lines falling with negative slope, starting close together at the y-axis with NaCl above CsCl, and converging/crossing as c increases)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Strong electrolytes like NaCl and CsCl show Λm falling linearly with c (Kohlrausch's law); since Cs+ has a higher limiting ionic conductivity than Na+, the CsCl line sits above the NaCl line, and the two lines run roughly parallel rather than crossing.
Concept and Intuition
Kohlrausch found that for a strong electrolyte, the molar conductivity varies with concentration as Λm=Λm0−Ac — a straight line with a negative slope when plotted against c, extrapolating to the limiting molar conductivity Λm0 at c→0 (i.e. at c=0). This is very different from weak electrolytes, whose Λm rises steeply (near-vertically) close to c=0 and cannot be extrapolated linearly.
The limiting molar conductivity of an electrolyte is the sum of the limiting ionic conductivities of its ions (Kohlrausch's law of independent migration): Λm0(NaCl)=λ0(Na+)+λ0(Cl−) and Λm0(CsCl)=λ0(Cs+)+λ0(Cl−). Since both share the same Cl− contribution, and λ0(Cs+)=77>λ0(Na+)=50, we must have Λm0(CsCl)>Λm0(NaCl) — the CsCl line intercepts the y-axis higher than the NaCl line.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Both NaCl and CsCl are strong electrolytes → both lines must be straight with negative slope (rules out options with positive slope or horizontal lines).
- Λm0(CsCl)>Λm0(NaCl) since λ0(Cs+)>λ0(Na+) → the CsCl line must lie above the NaCl line, especially at (and near) c=0.
- Since both are 1:1 electrolytes, the Onsager slope (which depends mainly on ionic charge and solvent properties, not strongly on which specific monovalent cation is present) is similar for both, so the two lines should run essentially parallel, not converge or cross within the plotted range.
- This matches the description of option (B): two falling straight lines, roughly parallel, with CsCl consistently above NaCl.
Common Mistakes
- Treating NaCl/CsCl like weak electrolytes and expecting a steep upward curve near the origin.
- Assuming the higher-conductivity line must cross the lower one at some point, rather than recognising that for the same electrolyte type (1:1) the lines stay roughly parallel.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — two straight lines falling from upper left to lower right with negative slope; the CsCl line lies above the NaCl line, both roughly parallel.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.The specific conductance of 0.05 M NaOH solution is 0.0115 Scm−1. What is its molar conductance (Λm) in Scm2mol−1? (A) 23 (B) 5.75×10−7 (C) 2300 (D) 230
›Reveal solutionSolution
Converting specific conductance to molar conductance using Λm=1000κ/C gives 230 S cm² mol⁻¹. Answer: (D).
Concept and Intuition
Specific conductance (κ) is the conductance of a 1 cm cube of solution, while molar conductance (Λm) normalizes this to "per mole of electrolyte," accounting for the fact that the amount of electrolyte (and hence total ions) present per unit volume depends on the molar concentration. The conversion factor of 1000 arises because κ is defined per cm³ but concentration is given per litre (1000 cm³).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Formula: Λm=Cκ×1000, where κ is in S cm⁻¹ and C is molar concentration in mol L⁻¹.
- Given κ=0.0115 S cm⁻¹ and C=0.05 mol L⁻¹.
- Λm=0.050.0115×1000=0.0511.5.
- 0.0511.5=230.
- So Λm=230 Scm2mol−1, matching option (D).
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the factor of 1000 (mixing up cm³ and litre units), which would give an answer 1000× too small.
- Misplacing a decimal in the division (e.g., getting 2300 instead of 230).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 230.
ANSWER: D
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-AN1 markMCQQ.The resistance of a conductivity cell filled with 0.1 M KCl solution is 100Ω. If the resistance of the same cell when filled with 0.2 M KCl solution is 520Ω, the molar conductivity of 0.02 M solution (in S cm2mol−1) is (Given : conductivity of 0.1 M KCl solution = 1.29 Sm−1) (A) 124 (B) 186 (C) 248 (D) 104
›Reveal solutionSolution
First get the (fixed) cell constant from the 0.1 M KCl calibration measurement, then use it with the second solution's resistance to get its conductivity, then convert to molar conductivity. The answer is (A) 124 S cm² mol⁻¹.
Concept and Intuition
A conductivity cell has a fixed geometric cell constant G∗=ℓ/A (length between electrodes / cross-sectional area), which relates measured resistance to the solution's conductivity: κ=G∗/R, i.e. G∗=κR. Since G∗ is a property of the cell, not the solution, once we calibrate it with one known solution (0.1 M KCl of known conductivity), we can use the same G∗ for any other solution measured in that same cell — here, the 0.02 M KCl solution. Molar conductivity then normalises conductivity by concentration: Λm=Cκ×1000 (with κ in S/cm and C in mol/L, giving Λm in S cm² mol⁻¹).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Calibrate the cell constant using the 0.1 M KCl data: κ1=1.29 Sm−1, R1=100 Ω.
G∗=κ1R1=1.29×100=129 m−1
- Use the same cell (same G∗) with the second solution: R2=520 Ω.
κ2=R2G∗=520129=0.2481 Sm−1
- Convert to S cm⁻¹ (divide by 100, since 1 Sm−1=0.01 Scm−1):
κ2=2.481×10−3 Scm−1
- Molar conductivity at C=0.02 mol/L:
Λm=Cκ2×1000=0.022.481×10−3×1000=0.022.481≈124 Scm2mol−1
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to convert κ from S/m to S/cm before applying the Λm=1000κ/C formula (which requires κ in S/cm).
- Re-deriving a new cell constant instead of reusing the one found from the calibration measurement.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 124.
ANSWER: A
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-26-AN1 markMCQQ.Match the following. List-I (symbol of electrical property): A) Λm B) G C) κ D) G∗. List-II (units): I) Scm−1 II) m−1 III) Scm2mol−1 IV) S. The correct answer is (A) A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II (B) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II (C) A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I (D) A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
›Reveal solutionSolution
Matching electrical/conductance quantities to their SI/CGS units: Λm→Scm2mol−1, G→S, κ→Scm−1, G∗→m−1 — option (B).
Concept and Intuition
Electrolytic conductance quantities form a small family that is easy to confuse: conductance G is simply the reciprocal of resistance and carries the base unit siemens; specific conductance (conductivity) κ is conductance normalised per unit cell geometry, giving Scm−1; molar conductivity Λm further normalises by concentration, giving Scm2mol−1; and the cell constant G∗=l/A is a pure geometric factor with units of reciprocal length.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Λm (molar conductivity) =Cκ×1000, units work out to Scm2mol−1 → matches III.
- G (conductance) =1/R, base SI unit siemens (S) → matches IV.
- κ (specific conductance/conductivity) has units Scm−1 → matches I.
- G∗ (cell constant, =l/A) has units of reciprocal length, i.e. m−1 (or cm−1) → matches II.
- So: A(Λm)-III, B(G)-IV, C(κ)-I, D(G*)-II — option (B).
Common Mistakes
- Swapping κ and G∗ since both look like 'per length' quantities — κ carries siemens, G∗ is purely geometric with no siemens.
- Confusing G (plain conductance, unit S) with Λm (needs the extra cm2mol−1 normalisation).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-16-AN1 markMCQQ.A conductivity cell is filled with solution of KCl of concentration 0.2 mol dm−3 and its conductivity is 0.28 Sm−1. The resistance of this solution is 82.2 Ω. The same cell filled with solution of 0.0025 mol dm−3 K2SO4 showed a resistance of 325 Ω. The molar conductivity of K2SO4 solution (in Sm2mol−1) is (A) 1.4×10−2 (B) 2.8×10−2 (C) 4.2×10−3 (D) 5.6×10−4
›Reveal solutionSolution
Tests the cell-constant method for molar conductivity: use the KCl calibration run to find the
cell constant, then apply it to the K2SO4 run. Answer: 2.8×10−2 Sm2mol−1.
Concept and Intuition
A conductivity cell has a fixed geometric cell constant G∗=l/A (in m−1),
which relates the measured resistance to the solution's conductivity via
κ=G∗/R (equivalently G∗=κR). Once G∗ is found from a solution of known
conductivity (here, KCl), the same cell constant applies to any other solution placed in that
cell, letting us find the unknown solution's conductivity, and from that its molar conductivity
Λm=κ/c (with c expressed in molm−3 to get SI units of Λm).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Find the cell constant from the KCl calibration: G∗=κKCl×RKCl=0.28×82.2=23.016 m−1.
- Use G∗ to find κ of the K2SO4 solution: κK2SO4=G∗/RK2SO4=23.016/325=0.0708 Sm−1.
- Convert concentration to SI (mol per m3): 0.0025 moldm−3×1000=2.5 molm−3.
- Compute molar conductivity: Λm=κ/c=0.0708/2.5≈2.83×10−2 Sm2mol−1.
- This rounds to 2.8×10−2 Sm2mol−1.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to convert moldm−3 to molm−3 (a factor of 1000) before dividing, which throws the answer off by three orders of magnitude.
- Re-deriving the cell constant from the K2SO4 data instead of reusing the one found from the KCl (known-conductivity) run.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 2.8×10−2.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.The conductivity of a solution containing 2.08 g of anhydrous barium chloride in 200 mL solution is 6×10−3 ohm−1cm−1. The molar conductivity of the solution (in ohm−1cm2mol−1) is x×102. The value of x is (Atomic mass of Ba = 137, Cl = 35.5) (A) 1.2 (B) 2.4 (C) 3.6 (D) 3.0
›Reveal solutionSolution
Compute molarity of the BaCl2 solution, then use Λm=1000κ/M to find molar conductivity. Answer: x=1.2.
Concept and Intuition
Molar conductivity Λm relates a solution's specific conductivity (κ) to its molar concentration: Λm=Mκ×1000 (with κ in ohm−1cm−1, M in mol/L, giving Λm in ohm−1cm2mol−1). We first need the molarity from the given mass and volume.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Molar mass of BaCl2=137+2(35.5)=208 g/mol.
- Moles =2082.08=0.01 mol.
- Volume =200 mL=0.2 L, so Molarity =0.20.01=0.05 mol/L.
- Λm=Mκ×1000=0.056×10−3×1000=0.056=120 ohm−1cm2mol−1.
- Given Λm=x×102, so x=120/100=1.2.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the factor of 1000 (unit conversion between cm3 and L) in the Λm formula.
- Using the wrong molar mass for BaCl2.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 1.2.
ANSWER: A
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-16-FN1 markMCQQ.Molar conductivities at infinite dilution Λm∘ for Ba(OH)2, BaCl2 and NH4Cl are 457.0, 240.6 and 2130 Scm2mol−1 respectively. The Λm∘ for ammonium hydroxide (in Scm2mol−1) is (A) 1683.2 (B) 1080.2 (C) 2130.0 (D) 2238.2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Combine the three given limiting molar conductivities via Kohlrausch's law so that the Ba2+ and Cl− contributions cancel, leaving Λm∘(NH4OH).
Concept and Intuition
Kohlrausch's law states each ion contributes independently to the limiting molar conductivity, so ionic contributions can be added/subtracted across compounds that share ions. Here we want λ∘(NH4+)+λ∘(OH−); we can build it from NH4Cl (gives NH4++Cl−) plus half of Ba(OH)2 (gives 21Ba2++OH−) minus half of BaCl2 (gives 21Ba2++Cl−), which cancels the Ba2+ and Cl− contributions, leaving exactly NH4++OH−.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write ionic contributions: Λ∘(Ba(OH)2)=λ(Ba2+)+2λ(OH−)=457.0; Λ∘(BaCl2)=λ(Ba2+)+2λ(Cl−)=240.6; Λ∘(NH4Cl)=λ(NH4+)+λ(Cl−)=2130.
- Subtract the first two and halve: λ(OH−)−λ(Cl−)=2457.0−240.6=108.2.
- Λ∘(NH4OH)=λ(NH4+)+λ(OH−)=[λ(NH4+)+λ(Cl−)]+[λ(OH−)−λ(Cl−)]=2130+108.2=2238.2.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to divide by 2 when isolating a single ionic contribution from a compound with 2 like ions (e.g. Ba(OH)2 has 2 OH−).
- Adding instead of subtracting the BaCl2 term, which would fail to cancel Cl−/Ba2+ properly.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 2238.2.
ANSWER: D
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-17-FN1 markMCQQ.The molar conductivity of 0.027 M methanoic acid is 40.42 Scm2mol−1. The value of dissociation constant of this acid is (Given λH+∘=349.6 Scm2mol−1 and λHCOO−∘=54.6 Scm2mol−1) (A) 1.5×10−5 (B) 6.0×10−5 (C) 4.5×10−4 (D) 3.0×10−4
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using α=Λm/Λm∘ and Ostwald's dilution law Ka=1−αcα2 gives Ka=3.0×10−4 for this weak acid.
Concept and Intuition
For a weak electrolyte, the fraction of molar conductivity actually achieved at a finite concentration compared to its limiting (infinite-dilution) value directly gives the degree of dissociation α (this is Arrhenius's conductance-based definition of α). Once α is known, Ostwald's dilution law connects it to the acid's dissociation constant.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Limiting molar conductivity: Λm∘=λH+∘+λHCOO−∘=349.6+54.6=404.2S cm2mol−1.
- Degree of dissociation: α=Λm∘Λm=404.240.42=0.1.
- Ostwald's dilution law: Ka=1−αcα2.
- Substitute c=0.027M, α=0.1: Ka=1−0.10.027×(0.1)2=0.90.027×0.01=0.92.7×10−4=3.0×10−4.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to add the anion's ionic conductivity to the cation's when finding Λm∘ (both are needed via Kohlrausch's law).
- Omitting the (1−α) correction factor in the denominator and just using Ka=cα2, which is only a valid approximation for very small α (here α=0.1 is not negligible enough to skip it cleanly, though the numbers still work out to the same option).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 3.0×10−4.
ANSWER: D
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-FN1 markMCQQ.What is the molar conductivity of CH3CO2H at infinite dilution? Given that, Λmo((CH3CO2)2Ba)=x1 S cm2 mol−1 Λmo(BaCl2)=x2 S cm2 mol−1 Λmo(HCl)=x3 S cm2 mol−1 (A) 2x1−x2+x3 (B) 2x1−x3+x2 (C) 2x2−x3+x1 (D) x1+x3−x2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Combining the given limiting molar conductivities of (CH3COO)2Ba, BaCl2, and HCl via Kohlrausch's law of independent ion migration reconstructs Λm0(CH3COOH) as (x1−x2)/2+x3.
Concept and Intuition
Kohlrausch's law says the limiting molar conductivity of any electrolyte is the sum of the limiting ionic conductivities of its constituent ions, each independent of the other ion present. This lets us build the conductivity of a weak electrolyte (like acetic acid) from strong electrolytes sharing common ions.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write each given compound in terms of ionic conductivities: x1=Λm0((CH3COO)2Ba)=λ0(Ba2+)+2λ0(CH3COO−) x2=Λm0(BaCl2)=λ0(Ba2+)+2λ0(Cl−) x3=Λm0(HCl)=λ0(H+)+λ0(Cl−)
- Subtract: x1−x2=2λ0(CH3COO−)−2λ0(Cl−), so 2x1−x2=λ0(CH3COO−)−λ0(Cl−).
- Add x3: 2x1−x2+x3=λ0(CH3COO−)−λ0(Cl−)+λ0(H+)+λ0(Cl−)=λ0(CH3COO−)+λ0(H+).
- This equals exactly Λm0(CH3COOH) by Kohlrausch's law.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to directly add/subtract the compounds without tracking which ions cancel — the Ba2+ must cancel via subtraction of x1,x2 (both contain it once), and Cl− must cancel between the (x1−x2)/2 term and x3.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 2x1−x2+x3.
ANSWER: A
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