Question

Aqueous-organic solvents will have:

• A. lower ionizing capacity than pure water
• B. higher dielectric constant than pure water
• C. more ionizing capacity than pure water
• D. same dielectric constant as pure water

Hint:

Adding organic "oil-like" solvents to water always reduces its "electrical" (ionizing) power.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Concept
The ionizing capacity of a solvent is largely determined by its dielectric constant, which reflects its ability to separate opposite charges.

Step 2: Meaning
Pure water has a very high dielectric constant ($\approx 80$), making it an excellent ionizing solvent for electrolytes.

Step 3: Analysis
Organic solvents (like ethanol or acetone) generally have much lower dielectric constants than water. When mixed, the resulting aqueous-organic solvent has a dielectric constant lower than that of pure water.

Step 4: Conclusion
A lower dielectric constant leads to a decreased ability to solvate ions and keep them separated, resulting in a lower ionizing capacity compared to pure water. Final Answer: (A)