Q.When 0.1 mol CoCl3(NH3)5 is treated with excess of AgNO3, 0.2 mol of AgCl are obtained. The conductivity of solution will correspond to
Concept understanding — Conductance And 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.
Conductance and conductivity are core quantitative ideas in the NCERT/CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Electrochemistry chapter, and ‘conductance vs conductivity formula’ is a regularly asked important question in board exams as well as JEE Main and NEET chemistry sections. This relationship also feeds directly into later topics like molar conductivity and Kohlrausch's law.
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: Conductance and conductivity — the number of ions released in solution determines the conductivity; the moles of AgCl precipitate tell us how many chloride ions are free (outside the coordination sphere).
- The complex is CoCl3(NH3)5. Molar mass corresponds to 0.1 mol of it.
- With excess AgNO3, only free Cl− ions precipitate as AgCl. 0.2 mol AgCl means 0.2 mol Cl− are free.
- Since 0.1 mol complex gives 0.2 mol free Cl−, each formula unit has 2 ionisable chloride ions and 1 chloride inside the coordination sphere.
- The complex ionises as [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2, giving 3 ions total: [Co(NH3)5Cl]2++2Cl−. This is a 1:2 electrolyte.
The conductivity corresponds to a 1:2 electrolyte, option (ii).
The complex is [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2, which dissociates into 3 ions (1 Co complex cation + 2 Cl⁻ anions), so it behaves as a 1:2 electrolyte. The correct option is (ii).
Why Conductivity and Precipitation Tell the Same Story
When you dissolve a coordination compound in water, its conductivity depends on how many ions it releases. A 1:1 electrolyte (like NaCl) gives 2 ions, a 1:2 electrolyte (like CaCl₂) gives 3 ions, and so on. The precipitation experiment with AgNO₃ is a clever way to count how many chloride ions are free — because only free Cl⁻ ions react with Ag⁺ to form AgCl. Chloride ions that are tightly bound inside the coordination sphere (as ligands) do not precipitate.
So the two experiments — conductivity and precipitation — are two sides of the same coin. If you know how many Cl⁻ ions are free, you know the ionic formula of the complex, and from that you can predict how many total ions it will produce in solution.
Step-by-Step Reasoning
-
Interpret the precipitation data.
The reaction is:
Ag++Cl−→AgCl↓
From 0.1 mol of the complex, we get 0.2 mol of AgCl. That means 0.2 mol of free Cl⁻ ions were present in the solution.
So per mole of complex, the number of free Cl⁻ ions is:
0.10.2=2
Therefore, the complex must have two chloride ions outside the coordination sphere (as counter-ions) and the rest inside as ligands.
-
Deduce the formula of the complex.
The molecular formula is CoCl3(NH3)5. We have 3 Cl atoms total. Two are free (ionic), so the remaining one must be coordinated to cobalt inside the coordination sphere.
Hence the correct structural formula is:
[Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2
The square brackets enclose the coordination sphere: one Co³⁺ ion, five NH₃ molecules, and one Cl⁻ ligand. Outside the sphere, two Cl⁻ ions balance the +3 charge on the cobalt (since Co³⁺ + 5 neutral NH₃ + 1 Cl⁻ ligand gives a net +2 charge on the complex ion, which is neutralized by the two free Cl⁻ ions).
-
Determine the number of ions in solution.
When [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 dissolves, it dissociates completely into:
[Co(NH3)5Cl]2++2Cl−
That is 3 ions per formula unit: one complex cation with charge +2, and two chloride anions.
-
Classify the electrolyte type.
An electrolyte that gives one cation of charge +2 and two anions of charge -1 is called a 1:2 electrolyte (the ratio of cation charge to anion charge is 1:2, but more commonly it refers to the number of ions: 1 cation : 2 anions).
Option (ii) matches this.
A common mistake is to think that all 3 chlorides are free because the formula shows 3 Cl atoms. Remember: only chlorides outside the coordination sphere precipitate with Ag⁺. The coordinated Cl⁻ is "invisible" to AgNO₃.
You can also work backwards from the conductivity: a 1:2 electrolyte gives a molar conductivity roughly double that of a 1:1 electrolyte (for similar ions), but here the precipitation data alone is sufficient — no need for actual conductivity values.
The correct option is (ii) 1:2 electrolyte.
Method: Conductance & Coordination Compound Analysis
This problem uses conductivity to determine the number of ions produced by a coordination compound in solution. The key idea: only free chloride ions (outside the coordination sphere) react with AgNO3 to form AgCl precipitate.
Step-by-step reasoning
Step 1: Analyze the precipitation data
- Given: 0.1 mol complex + excess AgNO3 → 0.2 mol AgCl
- Each mole of AgCl comes from 1 mole of free Cl− ions
- So, 0.2 mol AgCl means 0.2 mol free Cl− were present
- Since we started with 0.1 mol complex, each formula unit releases 2 free Cl− ions
Step 2: Determine the coordination sphere
The complex is CoCl3(NH3)5. Total chlorides = 3 per formula unit.
- Free Cl− = 2 per formula unit (from precipitation data)
- Therefore, chlorides inside coordination sphere = 3−2=1
So the complex ionizes as:
[CoCl(NH3)5]Cl2→[CoCl(NH3)5]2++2Cl−
Step 3: Identify the electrolyte type
- Cation charge: +2
- Anion charge: 2×(−1)=−2
- Total ions produced: 1 cation + 2 anions = 3 ions
- This is a 1:2 electrolyte (one divalent cation, two monovalent anions)
Final Answer
Method: Coordination compound ionisation analysis using precipitation data
Answer: (ii) 1:2 electrolyte
Key insight: The conductivity of a solution depends on the number and charge of ions. Here, the complex behaves as a 1:2 electrolyte because two Cl− are free and one is coordinated inside the complex ion.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Counting All Chlorines as Precipitable
The error: Students see the formula CoCl3(NH3)5 and assume all 3 chlorine atoms will precipitate with AgNO3, expecting 0.3 mol of AgCl.
Why it's wrong: Only chloride ions outside the coordination sphere (free ions) react with AgNO3. Chlorine atoms inside the coordination sphere (bonded to the metal) do not precipitate.
How to avoid: Always distinguish between:
- Ionizable chlorines (outside coordination sphere) → precipitate with Ag+
- Coordinated chlorines (inside coordination sphere) → do not precipitate
Mistake 2: Misinterpreting the Given Data
The error: Not connecting "0.2 mol AgCl obtained" to the number of free chloride ions.
Why it's wrong: The reaction is:
CoCl3(NH3)5+AgNO3→AgCl↓+other products
0.2 mol AgCl means only 2 out of 3 chlorines are free Cl− ions.
How to avoid: Write the precipitation equation:
Cl−+Ag+→AgCl
So moles of AgCl = moles of free Cl− = 2 (from 0.2 mol obtained from 0.1 mol complex).
Mistake 3: Confusing Conductivity with Number of Ions
The error: Thinking conductivity depends only on the number of ions, ignoring charge.
Why it's wrong: Conductivity depends on both number and charge of ions. A 1:2 electrolyte (like CaCl2) gives 3 ions total, but the conductivity pattern differs from a 1:3 electrolyte.
How to avoid: Remember:
- 1:1 electrolyte → 2 ions (e.g., NaCl)
- 1:2 electrolyte → 3 ions (e.g., MgCl2)
- 1:3 electrolyte → 4 ions (e.g., AlCl3)
Mistake 4: Forgetting the Complex Cation's Charge
The error: Determining the complex formula but not calculating the charge on the complex ion.
Why it's wrong: The complex is [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 (since 2 Cl− are free). You must find the charge on [Co(NH3)5Cl]n+.
How to avoid: Use charge balance:
- Co is in +3 oxidation state (common for cobalt complexes)
- NH3 is neutral
- Cl inside sphere is −1
- So charge on complex = +3+(−1)=+2
Thus the complex is [Co(NH3)5Cl]2+ with 2 Cl− ions → 1:2 electrolyte.
Mistake 5: Picking 1:3 Electrolyte Out of Habit
The error: Seeing CoCl3 and automatically choosing 1:3 without checking coordination.
Why it's wrong: Coordination chemistry changes the number of free ions. The formula CoCl3(NH3)5 is not the same as CoCl3 in solution.
How to avoid: Always check:
- How many Cl− precipitate with AgNO3?
- That number = number of free Cl− ions
- The rest are inside the coordination sphere
Quick Summary Checklist
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Moles of AgCl = moles of free Cl− |
| 2 | Subtract free Cl− from total Cl to get coordinated Cl |
| 3 | Write correct complex formula: [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 |
| 4 | Find charge on complex ion using oxidation states |
| 5 | Count total ions and their charges → determine electrolyte type |
Final answer: The complex gives [Co(NH3)5Cl]2+ and 2Cl− → 1:2 electrolyte → Option (ii).
- KCET 2026Set D31 markMCQQ.The conductivity of centimolar solution of KCl at 298 K is 0.021 Ohm−1 cm−1 and the resistance of the cell containing the solution at 298 K is 60 Ω. The value of cell constant (G*) is (A) 3.28 cm−1 (B) 1.26 cm−1 (C) 3.34 cm−1 (D) 1.34 cm−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Use the relation between conductivity, resistance, and cell constant: κ=G∗/R, so G∗=κ×R.
Step 1 — Recall the defining relation
Conductivity (κ) of a solution relates to the measured resistance (R) and the cell constant (G∗, also called l/A) as:
κ=RG∗⇒G∗=κ×R
Step 2 — Substitute the given values
G∗=0.021 Ω−1cm−1×60 Ω=1.26 cm−1
Step 3 — Conclusion
The calculated cell constant is 1.26 cm−1, matching option (B).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 1.26 cm−1.
- KCET 2024Set B-21 markMCQQ.For the reaction PCl5→PCl3+Cl2, rate and rate constant are 1.02×10−4mol L−1s−1 and 3.4×10−5s−1 respectively at a given instant. The molar concentration of PCl5 at that instant is: (A) 8.0mol L−1 (B) 3.0mol L−1 (C) 0.2mol L−1 (D) 2.0mol L−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The reaction is first order (units of k are s−1), so the rate law is rate=k[PCl5]. Substituting the given values gives [PCl5]=3.0 mol L−1, which is option (B).
The first thing to notice is the units of the rate constant: 3.4×10−5s−1. A rate constant with units of s−1 is the hallmark of a first-order reaction. For a first-order reaction, the rate depends linearly on the concentration of exactly one reactant — here, that reactant is PCl5.
Why does this matter? Because the rate law is not something you guess; it is determined experimentally. But the problem gives you the rate constant’s units, and those units tell you the order. If k had units like L mol−1s−1, it would be second order. Here, it’s clearly first order.
So the rate law is:
rate=k[PCl5]
Now we simply plug in the numbers.
- Write the first-order rate law For the decomposition PCl5→PCl3+Cl2, the rate of disappearance of PCl5 is:
rate=k[PCl5]
- Substitute the given values Rate = 1.02×10−4 mol L−1s−1 k=3.4×10−5 s−1 So:
1.02×10−4=(3.4×10−5)×[PCl5]
- Solve for [PCl5] Divide both sides by 3.4×10−5:
[PCl5]=3.4×10−51.02×10−4=3.41.02×101=0.3×10=3.0 mol L−1
Watch outA common mistake is to treat the reaction as second order because the stoichiometric coefficient of PCl5 is 1. Order is not the same as stoichiometric coefficient — it must be determined from the units of k or from experimental data. Here, the units of k (s−1) settle it: first order.
✓Final answerThe molar concentration of PCl5 at that instant is 3.0 mol L−1, which corresponds to option (B).
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-A1 markMCQQ.Identify the incorrect statement among the following. (A) Electrolytic conductance increases with increase in temperature (B) Conductivity does not depend on the viscosity of the solution (C) Conductivity depends on the size of the ions (D) Conductivity depends on the solvation of the ions
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that conductivity depends on ion mobility, which is affected by viscosity, ion size, and solvation — but not by temperature in the same way for electrolytic conductance. The incorrect statement is (B), because conductivity does depend on the viscosity of the solution.
Concept and Intuition
Conductivity measures how easily ions move through a solution under an electric field. Anything that slows ions down — like a thick (viscous) solvent, large ion size, or a heavy solvation shell — reduces conductivity. Temperature increases kinetic energy, helping ions overcome these drag forces, so electrolytic conductance increases with temperature. The trick is to spot which statement contradicts this physical picture.
Step-by-step reasoning
-
Statement (A): “Electrolytic conductance increases with increase in temperature.”
- As temperature rises, ions move faster (higher kinetic energy), the solvent becomes less viscous, and ion dissociation often increases. All these factors increase conductance.
- This is a well-known fact — true for electrolytes. So (A) is correct.
-
Statement (B): “Conductivity does not depend on the viscosity of the solution.”
- Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. Ions moving through a viscous solution experience greater frictional drag, reducing their mobility and thus the conductivity.
- For example, a concentrated sugar solution (high viscosity) conducts electricity much worse than pure water, even if the same salt is dissolved.
- Therefore, conductivity does depend on viscosity. This statement is false.
-
Statement (C): “Conductivity depends on the size of the ions.”
- Larger ions move more slowly through the solvent (Stokes’ law: drag force ∝ radius). Smaller ions (like K+) are more mobile than larger ones (like Cs+), all else equal.
- So ion size directly affects conductivity. This statement is true.
-
Statement (D): “Conductivity depends on the solvation of the ions.”
- Solvation (hydration in water) wraps ions in a shell of solvent molecules, increasing the effective size of the moving particle. Heavily solvated ions (e.g., Li+) move slower than lightly solvated ones (e.g., K+).
- Thus solvation influences mobility and conductivity. This statement is true.
Watch outA common mistake is to think that temperature only affects conductance in metals (where it decreases). For electrolytes, the opposite happens — conductance increases with temperature. Don’t confuse the two.
TipA quick way to remember: anything that makes it harder for an ion to “swim” through the solution (higher viscosity, larger size, thicker solvation shell) lowers conductivity. Only temperature helps them swim faster.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
-
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-E1 markMCQQ.The Molar conductivity of 0.05M solution of MgCl2 is 194.5 ohm−1 cm2 per mole at room temperature. A Conductivity cell with electrodes having 3.0 cm2 surface area and 1.0 cm apart is filled with the solution of MgCl2. What would be the resistance offered by the conductivity cell? (A) 114.25 ohms (B) 0.00291 ohms (C) 402.6 ohms (D) 34.27 ohms
›Reveal solutionSolution
Step 3 - resistance: R = (l/A) / kappa = 0.3333 / 9.725 x 10^-3 = 34.27 ohm
Concept: molar conductivity Lambda_m = kappa x 1000 / C , and conductance G = kappa x (A/l) = 1/R.
Step 1 - conductivity:
kappa = Lambda_m x C / 1000 = 194.5 x 0.05 / 1000 = 9.725 x 10^-3 S cm^-1
Step 2 - cell constant:
l/A = 1.0 cm / 3.0 cm^2 = 0.3333 cm^-1
Step 3 - resistance:
R = (l/A) / kappa = 0.3333 / 9.725 x 10^-3 = 34.27 ohm
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 34.27 ohms
ANSWER: D
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-E1 markMCQQ.Match the items in Column I with their description in Column II .tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;} .tg td{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px; overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;} .tg th{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px; font-weight:normal;overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;} .tg .tg-c3ow{border-color:inherit;text-align:center;vertical-align:top} .tg .tg-7btt{border-color:inherit;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;vertical-align:top} .tg .tg-0pky{border-color:inherit;text-align:left;vertical-align:top} S.No. Column I S.No. Column II A Kappa K P Intensive property. B Ecell0 Q Extensive property. C Molar conductivity R Decreases with decrease in concentration of both strong and weak electrolytes. D ΔGcell S Increases with dilution. (A) A=RB=QC=SD=P (B) A=RB=PC=SD=Q (C) A=QB=SC=PD=R (D) A=SB=RC=QD=P
›Reveal solutionSolution
A - kappa (conductivity) = conductance of unit volume; it depends on the number of ions per unit VOLUME, so it DECREASES on dilution (i.e. with decrease in concentration) for BOTH strong and weak electrolytes -> R B - E0_cell (standard cell potential) does not depend on the amount of substance -> an INTENSIVE property -> P C - Molar conductivity Lambda_m = kappa x 1000/C: it INCREASES with dilution (more complete dissociation / greater ionic mobility) -> S D - dG_cell = -nFE_cell: it is proportional to n, the amount of substance -> an EXTENSIVE property -> Q
Concept: properties of conductance and cell quantities.
A - kappa (conductivity) = conductance of unit volume; it depends on the number of ions per unit VOLUME, so it DECREASES on dilution (i.e. with decrease in concentration) for BOTH strong and weak electrolytes -> R
B - E0_cell (standard cell potential) does not depend on the amount of substance -> an INTENSIVE property -> P
C - Molar conductivity Lambda_m = kappa x 1000/C: it INCREASES with dilution (more complete dissociation / greater ionic mobility) -> S
D - dG_cell = -nFE_cell: it is proportional to n, the amount of substance -> an EXTENSIVE property -> Q
So A=R, B=P, C=S, D=Q.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — A=RB=PC=SD=Q
ANSWER: B
- KCET 2021Set B-21 markMCQQ.The resistance of 0.01 m KCl solution at 298 K is 1500 Ω. If the conductivity of 0.01 m KCl solution at 298 K is 0.146×10−3 S cm−1. The cell constant of the conductivity cell in cm−1 is (A) 0.219 (B) 0.291 (C) 0.301 (D) 0.194
›Reveal solutionSolution
The cell constant is the product of measured resistance and conductivity. Using G∗=R×κ, we get G∗=1500×0.146×10−3=0.219 cm−1.
The cell constant of a conductivity cell is a fixed geometric factor that relates the measured resistance of a solution to its conductivity. It depends only on the distance between the electrodes and their area, not on the solution being measured.
The fundamental relation is:
κ=G∗×R1orG∗=κ×R
where κ is the conductivity (in S cm−1), R is the resistance (in Ω), and G∗ is the cell constant (in cm−1).
This means: if you know the conductivity of a solution and you measure its resistance in a particular cell, you can directly calculate the cell constant.
-
Identify the given data
- Resistance, R=1500 Ω
- Conductivity, κ=0.146×10−3 S cm−1
- Temperature: 298 K (consistent for both values)
-
Apply the formula
G∗=κ×R
Substitute the values:
G∗=(0.146×10−3)×1500
- Calculate step by step
0.146×10−3=1.46×10−4
1.46×10−4×1500=1.46×10−4×1.5×103
=1.46×1.5×10−1=2.19×10−1=0.219
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that conductivity is given in S cm−1 and resistance in Ω, so the cell constant automatically comes out in cm−1. No unit conversion is needed here — the numbers are already compatible.
TipYou can also think of the cell constant as the "effective length-to-area ratio" of the cell. Once you determine it using a standard solution (like KCl), you can use the same cell to find the conductivity of any unknown solution by just measuring its resistance.
✓Final answerThe cell constant is 0.219 cm−1, which corresponds to option (A).
-
- COMEDK 2021Set 2021-B1 markMCQQ.The Molar conductance of 0.1 M NaCl solution is 1.06 x 10^2 ohm^-1 cm^2 mol^-1. Its specific conductance is ……. (A) 5.3 x 10^-3 ohm^-1 cm^-1. (B) 1.06 x 10^-2 ohm^-1 cm^-1.. (C) 1.06 x 10^-1 ohm^-1 cm^-1. (D) 1.06 x 10^-3 ohm^-1 cm^-1.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Specific conductance κ=ΛmC/1000=1.06×10−2 ohm−1cm−1.
Molar conductance relates to specific conductance (conductivity) by:
Λm=Cκ×1000⇒κ=1000Λm×C
with Λm=1.06×102 ohm−1cm2mol−1 and C=0.1 mol L−1:
κ=1000(1.06×102)(0.1)=100010.6=1.06×10−2 ohm−1cm−1
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 1.06 x 10⁻² ohm⁻¹ cm⁻¹
- KCET 2019Set A-11 markMCQQ.Addition of excess of AgNO3 to an aqueous solution of 1 mole of PdCl2⋅4NH3 gives 2 moles of AgCl. The conductivity of this solution corresponds to (A) 1:1 electrolyte (B) 1:2 electrolyte (C) 1:3 electrolyte (D) 1:4 electrolyte
›Reveal solutionSolution
Excess AgNO3 precipitates only the free (ionisable) chloride ions. Since 1 mole of the complex gives 2 moles of AgCl, both chlorides lie outside the coordination sphere, so the complex is [Pd(NH3)4]Cl2, which furnishes 3 ions and behaves as a 1:2 electrolyte — option (B).
Silver nitrate precipitates only chloride ions that are free in solution — those outside the coordination sphere of the metal. Ligands bound inside the sphere are not available to Ag+. So the number of moles of AgCl formed per mole of complex tells us exactly how many chlorides are ionisable.
- Interpret the precipitation data. AgNO3 reacts only with free Cl−:
Ag++Cl−→AgCl↓
1 mole of complex yields 2 moles of AgCl, so there are 2 moles of free Cl− per mole of complex. Both chloride ions are therefore outside the coordination sphere.
- Deduce the coordination sphere. The dot formula PdCl2⋅4NH3 hides the true structure. With both chlorides free, the coordination sphere holds only the 4 ammonia ligands around palladium:
[Pd(NH3)4]Cl2
- Determine the ions in solution. On dissolving, it dissociates completely:
[Pd(NH3)4]Cl2→[Pd(NH3)4]2++2Cl−
Each formula unit gives 3 ions: one divalent cation and two monovalent anions.
- Classify the electrolyte. One cation to two anions is a 1:2 electrolyte.
Watch outDo not assume every chloride written in the dot formula is free. The notation PdCl2⋅4NH3 does not show which ligands sit inside the coordination sphere — always use the precipitation data to decide.
TipThe number of moles of AgCl precipitated equals the number of ionisable chloride ions per formula unit. This is a classic coordination-chemistry idea tested in NCERT Class 12 Chemistry and in JEE/NEET previous-year papers.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) 1:2 electrolyte.
- KCET 2018Set A-11 markMCQQ.At a particular temperature, the ratio of molar conductance to specific conductance of 0.01 M NaCl solution is (A) 105 cm3 mol−1 (B) 103 cm3 mol−1 (C) 10 cm3 mol−1 (D) 105 cm2 mol−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The ratio of molar conductance (Λm) to specific conductance (κ) for a 0.01 M solution gives the volume in cm3 that contains one mole of electrolyte. For 0.01 M NaCl, this volume is 105 cm3 mol−1, so the correct option is (A).
The key here is to understand what molar conductance and specific conductance actually represent, and how they are related.
Specific conductance (κ) is the conductance of a solution held between two electrodes of unit area placed one unit apart. It depends only on the concentration and nature of ions present in that volume. Molar conductance (Λm), on the other hand, is the conductance of all ions produced from one mole of electrolyte dissolved in a given volume. The two are linked by the concentration of the solution.
The defining relation is:
Λm=Cκ
where C is the concentration in moles per unit volume. If κ is in Scm−1 and C in molcm−3, then Λm comes out in Scm2mol−1.
But here the question asks for the ratio κΛm, not Λm itself. Let’s work it out step by step.
- Write the ratio in terms of concentration. From the formula above:
κΛm=C1
So the ratio is simply the reciprocal of the concentration expressed in molcm−3.
- Convert the given concentration to the right units. The concentration is 0.01 M, which means 0.01 moles per litre. Since 1L=1000cm3, we have:
C=1000 cm30.01 mol=10−5 molcm−3
- Take the reciprocal to get the ratio.
κΛm=10−5 molcm−31=105 cm3mol−1
Notice the units: cm3mol−1 — this is a volume per mole, which makes perfect sense. It tells you the volume of solution that contains exactly one mole of NaCl at this concentration.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the unit conversion from litres to cm3. If you treat 0.01 M as 0.01 molcm−3, you would get 100 cm3mol−1, which is not among the options — and physically absurd, since 0.01 M means one mole in 100 litres, not 100 cm3.
- Match with the options. The result 105 cm3mol−1 corresponds exactly to option (A). Option (D) has cm2, which is area, not volume — so it’s dimensionally wrong for this ratio.
TipYou can also think of it this way: molar conductance is the conductance of the entire column of solution that contains one mole of solute. Specific conductance is the conductance of a unit cube of that solution. The ratio Λm/κ is therefore the volume (in cm3) of solution that holds one mole — which for a 0.01 M solution is 100L=105cm3.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A): 105 cm3 mol−1.
- KCET 2018Set A-11 markMCQQ.Which of the following is \textbf{not} a conductor of electricity? (A) Solid NaCl (B) Cu (C) Fused NaCl (D) Brine solution
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that electrical conductivity requires free-moving charged particles. Solid NaCl has its ions locked in a rigid lattice, so it cannot conduct — making (A) the correct answer.
The question tests a fundamental distinction: what makes a substance conduct electricity? Conductivity depends on the presence of mobile charge carriers — electrons or ions. Metals like copper have delocalised electrons that drift easily under a voltage. Ionic compounds, however, conduct only when their ions are free to move, which happens in the molten state or in solution. In the solid state, the ions are fixed at lattice points and can only vibrate, not migrate.
Let’s examine each option:
-
Solid NaCl — Sodium chloride in its crystalline form has Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions arranged in a regular, repeating lattice. These ions are held tightly by strong electrostatic forces. They cannot move from their positions, so there are no mobile charge carriers. Solid NaCl is an electrical insulator.
-
Cu (copper metal) — Copper is a metallic conductor. Its atoms release their outermost electrons into a “sea” of delocalised electrons that flow freely through the metal lattice. When a potential difference is applied, these electrons drift, producing a current. Copper is an excellent conductor.
-
Fused NaCl — “Fused” means molten. When solid NaCl is heated above its melting point (801 °C), the lattice breaks down. The Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions become free to move through the liquid. In the molten state, NaCl conducts electricity because the ions themselves act as charge carriers.
-
Brine solution — Brine is a concentrated solution of NaCl in water. In water, the ionic lattice dissolves completely, releasing Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions into the solution. These hydrated ions are mobile and can migrate toward electrodes, making brine a good conductor of electricity.
Watch outA common mistake is to think that all ionic compounds conduct electricity. Remember: solid ionic compounds do not conduct — only molten or aqueous ionic compounds do.
TipThe phrase “fused NaCl” is exam language for “molten NaCl.” If you see “fused” in a conductivity question, it always means the substance is in the liquid (melted) state.
✓Final answerThe substance that is not a conductor of electricity is (A) Solid NaCl.
-
🎓Unlock everything free for 14 days
- ✓Full step-by-step solutions
- ✓Concept-first explanations
- ✓Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- ✓PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.