Question

Three different electrolytic cells, A, B and C are connected in separate circuits. Electrolytic cell A contains a sodium chloride solution. When the circuit is completed, a bulb in the circuit glows brightly. Electrolytic cell B contains an acetic acid solution and in this case, the bulb in the circuit glows dimly. The electrolytic cell C contains a sugar solution and the bulb does not glow. Give a reason for each of these observations.

A, B and C are three electrolytic cells, connected in different circuits. Cell 'A' contains NaCl solution, and the bulb in the circuit glows brightly, when the circuit is completed. Cell 'B' contains acetic acid and the bulb glows dimly. Cell 'C' contains sugar solution, and the bulb does not glow. Give reason for each observation.

Answer 1

• Cell A contains sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, which is a strong electrolyte and contains only ions. So, it conducts electricity and the bulb glows brightly.
• Cell B contains both ions and molecules. So, there are few ions to conduct electricity and the bulb glows dimly.
• Cell C contains a sugar solution, which is a non-electrolyte and does not contain ions. So, it is a bad conductor of electricity and the bulb does not glow.