On how many of the following does the conductivity of an electrolytic (ionic) solution depend?
Nature of the electrolyte added, size of the ions produced and their solvation, viscosity of the solvent, number of valence electrons per atom, concentration of the electrolyte, temperature
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 5
In an electrolytic solution the current is carried by ions, so its conductivity depends on how many ions there are and how freely they move through the solvent. In metals the current is carried by electrons, and that conductance depends on the metal and its valence electrons.
Factors:
Nature of the electrolyte added
Size of the ions produced and their solvation
Viscosity of the solvent (with the nature of the solvent)
Concentration of the electrolyte
Temperature (the conductivity increases with the increase of temperature)
Not a factor:
Number of valence electrons per atom — a factor of electronic (metallic) conductance.
Factors: 5.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
2.4 Conductance of Electrolytic Solutions – “…The conductivity of electrolytic (ionic) solutions depends on:
(i) the nature of the electrolyte added
(ii) size of the ions produced and their solvation
(iii) the nature of the solvent and its viscosity
(iv) concentration of the electrolyte
(v) temperature (it increases with the increase of temperature).”
“Electrical conductance through metals is called metallic or electronic conductance and is due to the movement of electrons. The electronic conductance depends on
(i) the nature and structure of the metal
(ii) the number of valence electrons per atom…”