Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Formic acid (HCOOH) is a weak electrolyte when dissolved in water. In an aqueous solution of formic acid, it partially ionizes into its constituent ions. The solutes present in this solution are the ions produced during ionization.
The chemical equation for the ionization of formic acid (HCOOH) in water is as follows:
HCOOH (aq) ⇌ H⁺ (aq) + HCOO⁻ (aq)
In this equation:
HCOOH represents formic acid molecules.
H⁺ represents the hydrogen ions (protons) that are formed when a molecule of formic acid loses a hydrogen ion (H⁺).
HCOO⁻ represents the formate ion, which is the conjugate base formed when a molecule of formic acid donates a hydrogen ion (H⁺).
Since formic acid only partially ionizes in water, not all molecules of formic acid dissociate into ions. This is why it is considered a weak electrolyte.