In which scenario would electrical conductivity be expected to be highest?

Prepare for the TExES Science 7-12 Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Electrical conductivity is the ability of a solution to conduct electricity, which primarily depends on the presence of ions in the solution. In this context, a strong acid is characterized by its complete ionization in water, meaning it dissociates entirely into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and its corresponding anions. This results in a high concentration of free-moving ions, which are essential for conducting electric current.

In contrast, a weak acid only partially ionizes in solution, resulting in a lower concentration of ions compared to a strong acid. A neutral solution, such as pure water, has very few ions (primarily H⁺ and OH⁻) contributing to its conductivity, making it less conductive than a strong acid. Lastly, a non-electrolyte solution does not produce any ions when dissolved, leading to the inability to conduct electricity at all.

Therefore, due to the complete dissociation and higher concentration of ions present in a solution of a strong acid, it demonstrates the highest electrical conductivity among the scenarios presented.

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