Among alkali metal salts, the lithium salts are the poore conductors of electricity in aqueous solution because of

Options

A. easy diffusion of `Li^(+)` ions
B. lower ability of `Li^(+)` ions to polarize water molecules
C. lowest charge to radius ratio
D. higher degree of hydration of `Li^(+)` ions

Answer

To solve the question regarding why lithium salts are poor conductors of electricity in aqueous solution, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understanding Conductivity in Aqueous Solutions
Conductivity in aqueous solutions depends on the presence of ions. When salts dissolve in water, they dissociate into their constituent ions, which are responsible for conducting electricity.

**Hint:** Remember that the ability of a solution to conduct electricity is directly related to the concentration and mobility of ions in that solution.

### Step 2: Characteristics of Lithium Salts
Lithium salts, like other alkali metal salts, are expected to dissociate in water. However, lithium ions (Li⁺) have unique properties due to their small size and high charge density.

**Hint:** Consider the size of the lithium ion and how it interacts with water molecules compared to other alkali metals.

### Step 3: High Degree of Hydration
Lithium ions have a high degree of hydration. This means that when lithium salts dissolve in water, the lithium ions are surrounded by a large number of water molecules. This strong interaction can lead to the formation of a stable hydrated ion that does not easily dissociate further.

**Hint:** Think about how hydration affects the mobility of ions in solution.

### Step 4: Poor Ionization
Due to the high degree of hydration, lithium ions do not easily ionize in solution. This means that even though lithium salts can dissolve, the ions are not free to move as effectively as in other alkali metal salts.

**Hint:** Reflect on how the ionization process affects the conductivity of the solution.

### Step 5: Conclusion on Conductivity
As a result of the high degree of hydration and poor ionization of lithium ions, lithium salts are poor conductors of electricity in aqueous solutions compared to other alkali metal salts.

**Hint:** Summarize the relationship between ion mobility, hydration, and conductivity.

### Final Answer
Among alkali metal salts, lithium salts are poor conductors of electricity in aqueous solution primarily due to their high degree of hydration and the difficulty in ionization of lithium ions.