State whether each of the following statements is true or false. Justify your answer in each case. (a) Electrolyte solutions conduct electricity because electrons are moving through the solution.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of electrolytes: Electrolytes are substances that dissolve in water to produce a solution that conducts electricity. They dissociate into ions, which are charged particles.
2. Identify the role of ions in conducting electricity: In an electrolyte solution, it is the movement of ions, not electrons, that allows the solution to conduct electricity.
3. Clarify the misconception: Electrons do not move through the solution. Instead, the ions (cations and anions) move towards the electrodes, allowing the flow of electric current.
4. Consider the nature of electric current in solutions: Electric current in solutions is carried by the movement of ions, which are attracted to the oppositely charged electrodes.
5. Conclude the statement's validity: Based on the understanding that ions, not electrons, are responsible for conducting electricity in electrolyte solutions, determine whether the statement is true or false.

Key Concepts

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity. Common examples include salts, acids, and bases. The presence of free-moving ions in the solution is crucial for electrical conductivity, as these charged particles can carry electric current.

Electrical Conductivity

Electrical conductivity in solutions is primarily due to the movement of ions rather than electrons. When an electric field is applied, positive ions move towards the negative electrode and negative ions move towards the positive electrode, facilitating the flow of electric current. This is a key distinction from solid conductors, where electrons are the primary charge carriers.

Ionic vs. Electronic Conduction

In electrolytic solutions, conduction occurs through the movement of ions, while in metals, conduction is due to the flow of electrons. This difference is fundamental in understanding how various materials conduct electricity. In the context of the question, the statement is false because it incorrectly attributes electrical conduction in electrolyte solutions to electron movement.