Question

Ive read that we can determine if an electrolyte is weak or strong just by looking at the arrow, does that mean that if we have a low solubility for a certain solid, and if the part that does dissolve ionizes completely ( meaning we have a --> arrow ) that we have a strong electrolyte; example:
http://puu.sh/63DE4.png

Answer 1

i'm a bit rusty at this but i think you are right - the fraction that dissolves is completely ionised which means its a strong electrolyte
sorry i can't be more definite

Answer 2

thank you youre a great help :)

Answer 3

Sorry, haven't learned that much chemistry.

Answer 4

The forward arrow implies the strong electrolyte theoretically completely ionizes.
If the solubility is low, it can affect the strength of the electrolytes because ions only flow freely in molten form.

Answer 5

It's best to assume nothing when you see an arrow. Just wait for more information describing the system because it is possible that the material is removed as it dissociates to prevent reverse reaction.

Answer 6

Usually, a single arrow \(\longrightarrow\) means the reaction is complete and the solute totally dissociated.
Otherwise, the reaction would be written with a double arrow: \(\Large\overset {\rightharpoonup}{\leftharpoondown}\), or with a = sign.

Answer 7

But, as primeralph stated, be careful to read all the information given in your text.

Answer 8

So if we have a "-->" arrow and the solublity is low it is still considered a strong electrolyte right?

Answer 9

I explained in my second statement.

Answer 10

" it is possible that the material is removed as it dissociates to prevent reverse reaction." But I dont understand what material is removed? I only see that there is a one direction arrow which means that all of the dissolved molecules ionize, but I dont know whether that means its a strong electrolyte or not since the solubility is low. I think the solubility doesnt matter, we need to look at the YX (aq) --> reaction since there is a "--->" its a strong electrolyte, if it would be "YX (aq) <--->" then we would have a weak electrolyte. The solubility does not matter in my opinion. I dont know but there is someone on an irc chat who says that solubility is important to know whether its a strong or weak electrolyte, but I dont think so, the only thing we need to look at is the type of arrow we have "YX (aq)--->" = strong electrolyte OR "YZ (aq) <--->" = weak electrolyte no matter what the solubility is right?