- #1
no idea
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can pure molten hydrochloric acid conduct electricity?
Can pure molten hydrochloric acid conduct electricity?
- Thread starter no idea
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SUMMARY
Pure molten hydrochloric acid (HCl) can conduct electricity due to the presence of free and mobile ions when it transitions from solid to liquid. While some participants debated the conductivity of HCl in its gaseous state, the consensus is that liquid HCl, being a covalent compound, has limited ion availability, making it a poor conductor compared to aqueous solutions. HCl is classified as a strong acid, which dissociates well in water, thereby enhancing its conductivity in aqueous form. The discussion highlighted the importance of understanding the ionic nature of substances in different states for electrical conductivity.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of ionic and covalent compounds
- Knowledge of acid-base chemistry, particularly strong and weak acids
- Familiarity with the concept of ion mobility in different states of matter
- Basic principles of electrical conductivity in solutions
- Research the electrical conductivity of various ionic compounds in molten states
- Learn about the dissociation of strong acids in aqueous solutions
- Explore the Bronsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases
- Investigate the role of temperature in the ionization of gases and liquids
Chemistry students, educators, and professionals interested in the properties of acids and their behavior in different states, particularly in relation to electrical conductivity.
- #2
bomba923
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Of course; HCl is an ionic solid; by definition, ionic solids are composed of anions and cations; when the solid is made liquid, you have free and mobile ions; thus, you can conduct electricity.
Yes, pure molten HCl will conduct electricity
Yes, pure molten HCl will conduct electricity
- #3
chem_tr
Science Advisor
Gold Member
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Well, I am not sure; hydrochloric acid is a gas which is used as aqueous solution. In high temperature you will not get it as a solid; it will evaporate. However, high temperature will possibly help its ionization.
- #4
bomba923
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Would not the HCl gas conduct electricity as well? It has ions more mobile than that of its liquid form
- #5
Pyrovus
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Liquid HCl will probably be a poor conductor of electricity owing to the fact that it is a covalent compound and doesn't have terribly many ions floating about. Pure water will conduct electricity as a result of ions created by the reaction 2H2O <-> H3O+ + OH-, and there is probably an analagous equilibrium taking place with the HCl: 2HCl <-> H2Cl+ + Cl-. However, HCl is such a weak base that it will have little tendency to accept a proton to form H2Cl+, so this reaction will probably have very little effect (also it should be noted that pure water is still a poor conductor of electricity, even with the aforementioned equilibrium taking place).
- #6
bomba923
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Pyrovus said:
Silly mE!
I forgot it was covalent... 
!Ay!
Pyrovus said:
How? HCl is hydrochloric acid!, and it is a strong acid! Strong acids will dissociate well in water! Which means mobile ion availability in aqueous HCl solutions!--and thus will conduct electricity!
Last edited:
- #7
Borek
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Pyrovus said:
bomba923 said:
What Pyrovus means is that in the reaction 2HCl \leftrightarrow H_2Cl^+ + Cl^- HCl plays role of proton acceptor - so it is a Bronsted base.
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