The conductivity of the electrolytic solutions depends on:-
A. The nature of the electrolyte
B. The surface area of the cell
C. Concentration of the electrolyte
D. The nature of the solvent and its viscosity
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A, C and D only
The conductivity of an electrolytic solution depends on the solution itself: the nature and concentration of the electrolyte, the size and solvation of its ions, the solvent and its viscosity, and the temperature. The size of the cell is not one of these factors: conductivity is measured for a unit cell (1 cm2 electrodes, 1 cm apart), so it is a property of the solution alone. Only the conductance of a particular cell depends on its dimensions.
A. The nature of the electrolyte — Correct. Strong electrolytes give far more ions than weak ones.
B. The surface area of the cell — Incorrect. Conductivity is defined for a unit cell, so it is independent of the cell’s dimensions.
C. Concentration of the electrolyte — Correct. Conductivity falls on dilution, as there are fewer ions per unit volume.
D. The nature of the solvent and its viscosity — Correct. A more viscous solvent slows the ions down.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Conductance of Electrolytic Solutions – …
