Question:

When an aqueous solution of an electrolyte is progressively diluted by adding more solvent water, how do its Specific Conductivity (\( \kappa \)) and Molar Conductivity (\( \Lambda_m \)) respond?

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Keep this clear rule memorized: dilution increases molar conductivity (\(\Lambda_m\)) due to increased ion mobility and dissociation, but decreases specific conductivity (\(\kappa\)) because ion density per unit volume drops.
Updated On: May 25, 2026
  • Both Specific Conductivity (\( \kappa \)) and Molar Conductivity (\( \Lambda_m \)) increase uniformly.
  • Both Specific Conductivity (\( \kappa \)) and Molar Conductivity (\( \Lambda_m \)) decrease uniformly.
  • Specific Conductivity (\( \kappa \)) increases, while Molar Conductivity (\( \Lambda_m \)) decreases.
  • Specific Conductivity (\( \kappa \)) decreases, while Molar Conductivity (\( \Lambda_m \)) increases.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The electrical conductivity profiles of an electrolytic solution depend on the concentration of ions present per unit volume, as well as the total mobility of those ions within the solvent matrix.

Step 1:
Evaluate the behavior of Specific Conductivity (\(\kappa\)) upon dilution.
Specific conductivity (\(\kappa\)) is defined as the conductance of exactly a one-centimeter cube unit volume of a solution. When a solution is diluted, the total number of current-carrying ions per unit volume decreases steadily. As a direct result, Specific Conductivity (\(\kappa\)) always decreases with dilution for both strong and weak electrolytes.

Step 2:
Evaluate the behavior of Molar Conductivity (\(\Lambda_m\)) upon dilution.
Molar conductivity (\(\Lambda_m = \frac{\kappa}{C}\)) is the conducting power of all the ions produced by dissolving one mole of an electrolyte. Upon dilution, the concentration (\(C\)) decreases. For strong electrolytes, interionic attractions decrease, allowing ions to move more freely. For weak electrolytes, the degree of dissociation (\(\alpha\)) increases sharply, generating a larger number of total ions. Consequently, Molar Conductivity (\(\Lambda_m\)) always increases with dilution.
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