Calculate limiting molar conductivity of CaSO4 (limiting molar conductivity of calcium and sulphate ions are 119.0 and160.0 S cm2 mol-1 respectively).

To calculate the limiting molar conductivity of calcium sulfate (CaSO4), we need to consider the contributions from both the calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and the sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻). The limiting molar conductivity is essentially the sum of the individual contributions of these ions when they are fully dissociated in solution.

Understanding the Components

In this case, we have the following data:

• Limiting molar conductivity of calcium ions (Ca²⁺): 119.0 S cm² mol⁻¹
• Limiting molar conductivity of sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻): 160.0 S cm² mol⁻¹

Calculating the Total Limiting Molar Conductivity

The formula to find the limiting molar conductivity of an ionic compound is:

Λ_m = λ_cation + λ_anion

Where:

• Λ_m is the limiting molar conductivity of the compound.
• λ_cation is the limiting molar conductivity of the cation (Ca²⁺).
• λ_anion is the limiting molar conductivity of the anion (SO₄²⁻).

Plugging in the Values

Now, substituting the values we have:

Λ_m = 119.0 S cm² mol⁻¹ + 160.0 S cm² mol⁻¹

Performing the Calculation

Adding these two values together gives:

Λ_m = 279.0 S cm² mol⁻¹

Final Result

The limiting molar conductivity of calcium sulfate (CaSO4) is therefore 279.0 S cm² mol⁻¹. This value represents the maximum conductivity per mole of CaSO4 when it is fully dissociated in solution, allowing us to understand its behavior in electrolytic processes.

Real-World Implications

Understanding the limiting molar conductivity is crucial in various applications, such as in electrochemistry and the design of batteries or electrolytic cells. It helps predict how well a solution will conduct electricity, which is essential for optimizing performance in practical scenarios.