NH3 gas a covalent compound does not conduct electricity but its aq. soln. NH4OH is a weak electrolyte.

Question

Give reasons:

NH₃ gas a covalent compound does not conduct electricity but its aq. soln. NH₄OH is a weak electrolyte.

Answer 1

Ammonia (gas) is a covalent compound.

As there are no ions present in it, it does or conduct electricity.Ammonia gas dissolves in water to give an aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide.

NH₃ (g) + H₂O (l) → NH₄OH (aq)

Ammonium hydroxide is a weak electrolyte which ionises to a small extent to give ammonium ions and hydroxide ions.

Due to the presence of these ions an aqueous solution of NH₃ gas in water conducts electricity.