How does acetic acid neutralise caustic in a water sample and reduce the conductivity of the water sample?
First, try to remember the concept of electrolysis and the same with the concept of titration. Now, in the concept of electrolysis: Ionic substances when dissolve in water – strong electrolyte because the ions of the substance is scattered throughout the solution. Acidic solutions and some basic solutions – weak electrolytes Hydrocarbons – when dissolved in water, they are non-electrolytes. Now, acetic acid is a WEAK ACID AND WEAK ELECTROLYTE, meaning it can conduct a little. When it was added with caustic the acidity of the acetic acid decreases until it reaches the end point (meaning it is already neutral) but caustic is a strong base therefore an excess of the base is present in the solution and it reduces the conductivity of the water sample.
