State the Kohlrausch law of independent migration of ions. Why does the conductivity of a solution decrease with dilution?

The Kohlrausch law of independent migration of ions states that the limiting molar conductivity of an electrolyte can be expressed as the sum of the contributions from each individual ion. In simpler terms, it means that each ion in a solution contributes independently to the overall conductivity, regardless of the presence of other ions.

Understanding Conductivity and Dilution

Conductivity in a solution is primarily determined by the concentration of ions present. When a solution is diluted, the number of ions per unit volume decreases, leading to a reduction in conductivity.

Reasons for Decreased Conductivity

• Fewer Ions: Dilution reduces the total number of ions available to carry electric current.
• Increased Distance: The ions are spread further apart, which makes it harder for them to collide and transfer charge.
• Ion Interaction: In concentrated solutions, ions can interact more effectively, enhancing conductivity. Dilution disrupts this interaction.

As a result, when a solution is diluted, its ability to conduct electricity diminishes due to the reduced concentration and mobility of ions. This relationship highlights the importance of ion concentration in determining the conductivity of solutions.