Solutions and Electrolytes

Flashcards for understanding key concepts in solutions and electrolytes.

Molecular Compounds

Typically stay as molecules when they dissolve.

Carbonic Acid

Formed when CO2 reacts with water; mainly found dissociated into ions.

Polarity

The extent to which a molecule has positive and negative charges across it.

Strong Electrolyte

A substance that dissociates completely into ions when dissolved in water.

Weak Electrolyte

A substance that partially dissociates into ions in solution.

Non-Electrolyte

A substance that does not dissociate into ions in solution.

Solvation

The process of surrounding solute particles with solvent particles.

Precipitation Reaction

A reaction in which two solutions form an insoluble solid.

Net Ionic Equation

An equation that shows only the species that actually change during the reaction.

Spectator Ion

An ion that does not participate in the actual chemical reaction.

"Like dissolves like"

Polar solvents tend to dissolve polar substances, and nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar substances.

Acetic Acid (CH3COOH)

An example of a weak electrolyte that partially dissociates in solution.

Hydroxides

Generally insoluble, except for those involving alkali metals and some alkaline earth metals.

Complete Ionic Equation

An equation that shows all of the ions present in a reaction.

Double Displacement Reaction

A reaction where two compounds exchange ions.