MP Assistant Professor Exam 2022
In Debye-Huckel theory, the thickness of ionic atmosphere of electrolyte decreases with:
- (A) Increasing temperature
- (B) Decreasing concentration and decreasing valence of the ions
- (C) Increasing dielectric constant of the solvent
- (D) Increasing concentration and increasing valence of the ions
Answer: (D) Increasing concentration and increasing valence of the ions
Explanation: The thickness of the ionic atmosphere (1/κ) is inversely proportional to the square root of the ionic strength. Therefore, as the concentration (c) and the charge or valence (z) of the ions increase, the ionic strength increases, which causes the ionic atmosphere to contract or "decrease" in thickness.