Why does an aqueous solution of an acid conduct electricity?
Answer:
An acid, when mixed with water forms its aqueous solution. Acids dissociate in water to give out H + ions, which help in conduction of electricity.
For Example: If we dissolve Hydrochloric Acid in Water, it conducts electricity. This is because HCl contains H + Ion (positively charged hydrogen ions or cations) and negatively charged Cl - ions.
They dissociate as follows,
HCl → H + + Cl -
These H + ions from acid solutions combine with water to form hydronium ions as follows,
H + + H 2 O → H 3 O +
These H 3 O + ions conduct electricity (allow current to pass through them). This is how an aqueous solution of an acid conducts electricity.
