HCl (Hydrochloric acid) is a strong electrolyte because it completely dissociates into ions when dissolved in water, facilitating electrical conductivity.
The reference video explains that when HCl is dissolved in water (aqueous solution), it breaks down into:
- Hydrogen ions (H+)
- Chloride ions (Cl-)
These ions, being charged particles, are free to move in the solution and carry an electrical charge. Because the dissociation is essentially complete, there is a high concentration of ions in the solution, making it a strong electrolyte. Chloride ions (Cl-) belong to group 17 (also called 7A) and therefore have a 1- charge.
In summary, the complete dissociation of HCl into H+ and Cl- ions in an aqueous solution explains why it behaves as a strong electrolyte.
