When a concentrated solution of an electrolyte is diluted, its specific conductance (also called conductivity) decreases, while its equivalent conductance increases.
Explanation:
- Specific conductance (κ) is the measure of the solution's ability to conduct electricity per unit volume. When dilution occurs, the concentration of ions decreases, leading to a decrease in specific conductance.
- Equivalent conductance (λ) is defined as the conductance of one equivalent of electrolyte in a solution. It is calculated as λ=κ⋅1000Nλ=\kappa \cdot \frac{1000}{N}λ=κ⋅N1000, where NNN is the normality (related to concentration).
- Upon dilution, although specific conductance decreases due to fewer ions per unit volume, the increase in volume and better ion mobility causes equivalent conductance to increase overall.
Thus, dilution reduces the specific conductance but increases the equivalent conductance of the electrolyte solution.
