Question

-Factor(s) influencing the degree of ionization of a weak electrolyte is
This question has multiple correct options
A. Dilution
B. Temperature
C. Presence of other ions
D. Nature of solvent

Answer 1

Hint: Degree of ionization of a weak electrolyte may depend upon many factors. Ionization is the mechanism by which an atom or a molecule acquires a negative or positive charge, by acquiring or removing electrons, often in combination with other chemical modifications.The extent to which this process happens, decides the degree of ionization.

Complete step by step answer:
We can now look at each of the options one by one and find if that option is a factor or not.
The first option is dilution. The weak electrolytes are sparingly or partially soluble in solution .So they do not ionise completely in solution. But at high dilutions even the weak acids ionize. Therefore the degree of ionization increases with an increase in dilution.
Degree of ionization $\,\alpha = \,$ no of molecules get ionized in solution /total no of molecules taken $\, \times 100\,$
Here alpha $\,\alpha = \,$ degree of ionization
So $\,\alpha = \sqrt {\dfrac{K}{C}} \,$ [this is Ostwald dilution law for weak electrolyte, $K$ is a constant]
From this equation it is clear that if concentration of solution \[\left( C \right)\]decreases then dilution increases, therefore the degree of ionization also increases.
Now the second option is temperature. As temperature increases solute molecules get energy and get ionised .Therefore increase in temperature increases degree of ionization.
The third choice is the presence of other ions in the solution. As we know from the common ion effect rule ,the degree of ionisation of weak electrolytes is diminished or suppressed. That is, the common ion effect decreases the degree of ionisation in weak electrolytes.
The last is the nature of solvent. The solvent's ionising power is dependent on its dielectric constant.The higher the value of the dielectric constant, the greater the solvent ionising strength and the greater the degree of ionisation.
Therefore it is clearly evident that all of the options are factors influencing the degree of ionization.

So, the correct answer is Option A,B,C,D.

Note: In weak electrolytes, ionization happens to a small extent. So, there will be an equilibrium between unionized electrolyte and the ions formed in the solution. Degree of ionization depends upon many factors including dilution , nature of solvent ,temperature, presence of other ions etc.