An aqueous solution of an unknown solute is tested with litmus paper and found to be acidic. the solution is weakly conducting compared with a solution of nacl of the same concentration. part a which of the following substances could the unknown be: koh, nh3, hno3, kclo2, h3po3, ch3coch3 (acetone)?

H₃PO₃

Explanation:

KOH, NH₃, and KClO₂ are all basic so they must not be the unknown solute since the solution is acidic.

CH₃COCH₃ is a nonelectrolyte, which means it does not dissociate into ions when it dissolves in water. Acetone must not be the unknown since the solution is weakly conducting.

The two remaining candidate, HNO₃ and H₃PO₃ are both acids. The unknown solution does not conduct electricity as well as a solution of NaCl of the same concentration, which means that the unknown acid must not dissociate to the same extent as NaCl. Both NaCl and HNO₃ (a strong acid) dissociate 100%. Thus, the unknown solute must be H₃PO₃, which is known to be a weak acid (doesn't dissociate 100%).

it forms an anion that has a larger radius. anions have a negative charge and are larger than the original atom.