1. 8.2 Electrolytes and Nonelectrolytes
General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
Fourth Edition
Karen Timberlake
Chapter 8
Solutions
8.2 Electrolytes and Nonelectrolytes
Lectures
© 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

2. Electrolytes, Nonelectrolytes
In water,
strong electrolytes separate into ions making solutions that conduct electricity.
weak electrolytes produce a few ions.
nonelectrolytes produce molecules, not ions.

3. Strong Electrolytes Solutes that are strong electrolytes
dissociate 100% or break up into positive and negative ions in water.
form aqueous solutions (aq) when dissolved in water that will conduct an electrical current.
H2O % ions
NaCl(s) Na+(aq) + Cl(aq)
H2O
CaBr2(s) Ca2+(aq) + 2Br(aq)

4. Learning Check Complete each of the following equations for strong
electrolytes dissolving in water.

5. Solution Complete each of the following equations for strong
electrolytes dissolving in water.

6. Weak Electrolytes Solutes that are weak electrolytes
dissolve in water mostly as molecules.
dissolve in water forming a few ions.
produce solutions that conduct electricity weakly.

7. Nonelectrolytes Solutes that are nonelectrolytes
dissolve as molecules in water.
do not produce ions in water.
form solutions that do not conduct an electrical current.

8. Classification of Solutes in Aqueous Solutions

9. Equivalents An equivalent (Eq) is the amount of that ion equal to 1
mole of positive or negative electrical charge (+ or –). For
example,
1 mole of Na+ ions and 1 mole of Cl− ions are each 1 equivalent or 1000 milliequivalents (mEq) because they each contain 1 mole of charge, and
ions with a charge of 2+ or 2−, contain 2 equivalents for each mole.
1 mole Na+ = 1 Eq
1 mole Ca2+ = 2 Eq
1 mole S2− = 2 Eq

10. Equivalents of Electrolytes

11. Electrolytes in Body Fluids
Electrolytes play an important role in maintaining the
proper function of the cells and organs in the body.
Sodium ions regulate water content and carry electrical impulses through the nervous system.
Potassium ions are involved in the transmission of electrical impulses and help maintain a regular heartbeat.
Bicarbonate ions help maintain blood pH.

12. Electrolytes in Blood Plasma

13. Learning Check 1. In 1 mole of Fe3+, there are
A. 1 Eq. B. 2 Eq C. 3 Eq.
2. In 2.5 mole of SO42−, there are
A Eq. B Eq C Eq.
3. An intravenous bottle contains only NaCl. If the Na+ ion produces 34 mEq/L, the Cl− ion produces
A. 34 mEq/L. B. 0 mEq/L C. 68 mEq/L.

14. Solution 1. In 1 mole of Fe3+, there are 3 equivalents (Eq). C. 3 Eq
2. In 2.5 mole of SO42−, there are 5 equivalents.
B Eq
3. An intravenous bottle contains only NaCl. If the Na+ ion produces 34 mEq/L, the Cl− ion produces
A. 34 mEq/L.